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Summer Science Stories: 'natural Batteries', Long Covid and Sci-fi
This week's newsletter highlights some of the summer stories that we'll be covering in the weeks ahead.
New Science Leads to Another CDC Update on Masks
You could almost hear the collective groan of frustration when the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again updated its guidance, encouraging people to wear face masks to stop the spread of COVID-19 - but understanding of the coronavirus has evolved with the virus itself, and this new guidance is based on new information.
Obituary: Richard R. Ernst (1933-2021)
Nobel prizewinner who revolutionized nuclear magnetic resonance.
For Good Science, You Need Engaged Citizens
They strengthen the institutions that ensure a strong democracy, leading to rational decisions
The Rise of Citizen Social Science Raises More Questions About Social Science Than It Answers
The Rise of Citizen Social Science Raises More Questions About Social Science Than It Answers
The true potential of citizen social science, whereby members of the public participate in the investigation and analysis of social phenomena, remains to be realised.
Key Social Science Priorities for Long-term COVID-19 Response - World
The COVID-19 response continues to be driven by epidemiological priorities, and yet, the epidemic and responses are situated within specific political and health system contexts. Social science brings an understanding of context and draws attention to politics, power and social difference.
Research Stories - from Webcomics to Local Bookstores
Art has long been used as a means to communicate science. In ancient Greece, poetry was a powerful way of communicating about mathematics, astrology and the natural world. Fast forward 13 centuries, past the invention of the printing press which saw science communication flourish, to today, where artistic skills and science have come together once again - this time to explore the power of storytelling through comics. ERCcOMICS was the result of a search by the European Research Council to find an innovative and creative way to communicate ERC funded projects.
COVID Vaccines Have Higher Approval in Less-Affluent Countries
Surveys show that people in ten low- and middle-income nations are generally more eager to receive the COVID-19 jab than people in two wealthier nations where vaccine is plentiful.
Is It Time to Reassess Student Assessment?
The pandemic has accelerated numerous experiments in assessment for the digital age, moving beyond simple knowledge recall. But is the traditional exam really obsolete? As the dust settles on another marking season, seven academics give their widely differing views.
Why We Should All Care About Early Career Pay Equity and Inclusion
Why We Should All Care About Early Career Pay Equity and Inclusion
Learn how two early career publishers are tackling the thorny issue of pay equity and inclusion in today's interview with Rebecca Bostock (Ohio State UP) and Dominique J Moore (University of Illinois Press).
More Unintended Consequences: How the Plan S Transformative Journal Route Favors Larger Incumbent Publishers
More Unintended Consequences: How the Plan S Transformative Journal Route Favors Larger Incumbent Publishers
For smaller and independent publishers, the Transformative Journal route to Plan S compliance seems like a viable option. At least until you see the reporting requirements.
Government Innovation Strategy Will Transform Lives and Livelihoods
UKRI welcomes the government's ambitious Innovation Strategy and its commitment to strengthening the UK's position as a world leader for research and innovation.
Adriana Bankston on Career Moves from Science to Policy
Some scientists get involved with policy without giving up their day jobs. Others take their scientific training and move wholesale into the world of policy, taking up roles as advisors, analysts, knowledge brokers or advocates on specific issues. Adriana Bankston shares her tips and experiences on leaving academia behind and joining the fast-paced world of policy.
Novel Researchers Have a Lower Chance of Winning Funding
Swiss programme favours mainstream work, but unconventional applicants aren't deterred, say Charles Ayoubi and colleagues.
ERC President Decries Basic Research Being 'Subordinated' to EU Political Priorities
The outgoing president of the European Research Council (ERC) Jean-Pierre Bourguignon called for an end to the current "boom and bust" approach to basic research funding, at a meeting of EU science ministers in Slovenia on Monday.
Vulnerable Nations Lead by Example on Sustainable Development Goals Research
Vulnerable Nations Lead by Example on Sustainable Development Goals Research
A United Nations study of world science is a wake-up call that richer countries must also shift science towards the SDGs.
Responsible Research Assessment Faces the Acid Test
The University of Liverpool is planning to make lay-offs on the basis of controversial measures. How should the global movement for responsible research respond?
Lockdowns Do Not Harm Health More Than Covid, Say Researchers
Little evidence that social restrictions during the pandemic have added to rates of death and ill-health.
The Parenting Penalties Faced by Scientist Mothers
Starting a family at a key career stage comes at a cost to birthing parents - and many end up leaving the profession as a result.
Time to Assume That Health Research is Fraudulent Until Proven Otherwise? - The BMJ
Time to Assume That Health Research is Fraudulent Until Proven Otherwise? - The BMJ
Health research is based on trust. Health professionals and journal editors reading the results of a clinical trial assume that the trial happened and that the results were honestly reported. But about 20% of the time, said Ben Mol, they would be wrong.
Pact for Research & Innovation: the Foundations of the European Research Area Still Valid and Unavoidable
Pact for Research & Innovation: the Foundations of the European Research Area Still Valid and Unavoidable
Launched two decades ago, the European Research Area (ERA) has made limited progress. The ERC Scientific Council fully supports renewed efforts for further development.
Why We Stand by Our Journalism and Journalists Now More Than Ever
A 2020 survey of journalists in the UK found that over half had experienced online abuse in the previous year. This intimidation often aims to silence important voices and suppress reporting on sensitive issues.
Do Researchers Know What the H-index Is? And How Do They Estimate Its Importance? - Scientometrics
Do Researchers Know What the H-index Is? And How Do They Estimate Its Importance? - Scientometrics
In this article, we pursue two goals, namely the collection of empirical data about researchers' personal estimations of the importance of the h-index for themselves as well as for their academic disciplines, and on the researchers' concrete knowledge on the h-index and the way of its calculation.