opinion articles

Send us a link

Subscribe to our newsletter

Open Access 'at Any Cost' Cannot Support Scholarly Publishing Communities

Open Access 'at Any Cost' Cannot Support Scholarly Publishing Communities

Kaitlin Thaney argues the current momentum building for “no pays” academic publishing models and establishing the “reasonable costs” of publication, present opportunities to rebalance the inequities, costs, and power dynamics initially bred by the push towards Open Access “at any cost” over the past two decades.

European Universities Need a Fine-grained Approach to Economic Security Risks

European Universities Need a Fine-grained Approach to Economic Security Risks

The newly launched European Economic Security Strategy aims to address Europe's economic vulnerabilities at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Among other objectives it sets out to better define technologies that are critical for Europe, or which have potential dual civil and military use.

Is 'Wokeism' Slowly Killing Scientific Merit? Look to the Latter for the Real Threat to Science

Is 'Wokeism' Slowly Killing Scientific Merit? Look to the Latter for the Real Threat to Science

While some worry "wokeist" ideology could corrupt scientific merit, it could be our problematic understanding of the latter that poses an even greater threat to science, two philosophers argue.

'Industry Scientists Are Often Misunderstood: Here’s Why I Chose This Path'

'Industry Scientists Are Often Misunderstood: Here’s Why I Chose This Path'

"I don’t think industry would be a good fit for me,” the student said, “I’m not money-motivated.” As an industry scientist myself, I struggled to hide my surprise.

Although Hard to Define, Narrative CVs Are Changing How We Think About Researcher Assessment

Although Hard to Define, Narrative CVs Are Changing How We Think About Researcher Assessment

Narrative academic CVs present a means to bypass aspects of a research evaluation culture that is focused on the volume and venue of publications. Drawing on work promoting this format, researchers show how these texts more often foreground the problems they are meant to address, than how the format works in practice. 

Horizon Europe Can Only Flex So Far Before It Reaches Breaking Point

Horizon Europe Can Only Flex So Far Before It Reaches Breaking Point

It’s likely the European Commission will dip into the research programme’s budget for its new sovereignty fund – and this won’t be the first time money has been diverted to other causes. Flexibility to respond to changing circumstances is important, but when is enough, enough?

Developing Countries Need Greater Recognition for Research into UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Developing Countries Need Greater Recognition for Research into UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Developing nations need greater visibility, acknowledgement and support for their research into the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How Scientific Models Both Help and Deceive Us in Decision Making

How Scientific Models Both Help and Deceive Us in Decision Making

We live in a society where scientific models surround us. They are used for everything from creating weather bulletins and making climate projections to providing economic forecasts and informing policies for public health.

Scientific Utopias: Scientific Enlightenment in the Stupid Questions Office

Scientific Utopias: Scientific Enlightenment in the Stupid Questions Office

Earlier this year, Nature co-sponsored a science-fiction essay competition. According to runner-up Miles Lizak's science-fiction essay, an ideal research institution would foster curiosity and collaboration, placing greater value on asking brave questions rather than claiming to know all the answers.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Policy: Lessons from Co-Creation in the Aid Sector

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Policy: Lessons from Co-Creation in the Aid Sector

There is an increasing focus in academic and policy circles on research-policy partnerships. These partnerships are often achieved through co-creation, whose role in international relations remains underdeveloped.

Is the Biggest Challenge to Scientific Thinking Science Itself?

Is the Biggest Challenge to Scientific Thinking Science Itself?

Data torturing, cherry-picking, P-hacking and the invention of tools such as ChatGPT - when it comes to assisting the spread of disinformation science is its own worst enemy, argues a new book.

Opinion: Strict Ban on China Will Cost Us Dearly in Science

Opinion: Strict Ban on China Will Cost Us Dearly in Science

Scientific decoupling of China will come at a cost, says Ingrid D'Hooghe. There are security risks, but China leads the field in many areas.

The Future of Brazilian Science

The Future of Brazilian Science

The election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ('Lula') as president of Brazil on 30 October 2022 marked the end of the populist Bolsonaro era. In this Feature, five Brazilian scientists discuss their hopes and expectations for the new presidency and its scientific policies.

Removing Darwin From the School Syllabus Is a Body Blow to Science Education

Removing Darwin From the School Syllabus Is a Body Blow to Science Education

The shrinking space for science education in India today is worrisome and doesn’t augur well for our overall intellectual and cultural development.