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Why is so much research dodgy? Blame the Research Excellence Framework
The Ref star system encourages novelty but offers no incentive to replicate studies – and that’s exactly what scientists need to do to be more sure of our claims.
Can we Open the Black Box of AI?
Artificial intelligence is everywhere. But before scientists trust it, they first need to understand how machines learn.
Why Policy Needs Philosophers as Much as it Needs Science
Philosophers could help policy makers to ask the right questions. But to give this practical help, academic philosophy must take lessons from open science.
Business Backs the Basics
Long-term basic research, substantially funded by the U.S. government, underlies some of industry's most profitable innovations.
Researchers Must be Translators and Champions of Evidence
If you’re not willing to communicate your research, you shouldn’t be doing it, says Anne Glover.
There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Neuroscience
We need both neuroscience and clinical research.
STEM Is Vital, but Not at the Expense of the Humanities
The need to teach both music theory and string theory is a necessity for the economy to continue as the preeminent leader in technological innovation.
A Stronger Voice for UK Science—but at what Cost?
Top scientists spar over reforms that would create research funding behemoth.
Can The World Of Politics Learn From The World Of Science
Despite a growing number of female political leaders across the globe, women are still in a minority when it comes to positions of power in world politics.
It’s time for science to abandon the term ‘statistically significant’
It’s time for science to abandon the term ‘statistically significant’
Academic psychology and medical testing are both dogged by unreliability. The reason is clear: we got probability wrong.
What if there were more women in tech?
Women in tech and science professions reflect on how things would be different if there were more women in the sectors.
Realising the Health Benefits of Sharing Data
Accessible data are not enough. We need to invest in systems that make the information useful, say Elizabeth Pisani and colleagues.
Why Scientists Should Learn to Love Reddit
You’ll find communities thirsty for your findings – and a space to demonstrate measurable ‘impact’ to your heart’s content.
One reason so many scientific studies may be wrong
P hacking is manipulating data and research methods to achieve statistical signifiance. And it could be why so many research papers are false.
Exactly how valuable is a PhD?
Billy Bryan and Furaha Asani look at how to get the most out of your doctoral studies.
Curation is under-resourced
Curation is under-resourced
Science funders and researchers need to recognize the time, resources and effort required to curate open data.
The Importance — and the Complexities — of Data Sharing
The Importance — and the Complexities — of Data Sharing
The Importance — and the Complexities — of Data Sharing
Corporate culture has no place in academia
‘Academic capitalism’ contributed to the mishandling of the Macchiarini case by officials at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, argues Olof Hallonsten.
Science advisers need to explain the evidence
People no longer take science advice on trust, and science advisers need to provide evidence for their recommendations, according to Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation.
From the sugar scam to Brexit, our faith in experts is fading
Science's quality control processes are under question. Scientists should think about changing the rules and extending their peer communities.
The boldness of philanthropists
Last week, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg announced their new philanthropic initiative with the goal of “curing, preventing, and managing all diseases by the end of the century.” This may raise some eyebrows, but this effort—part of the $45 billion Chan Zuckerberg Initiative—joins forces with other philanthropists to push the envelope and support audacious ideas, with long-term commitments, to solve some of our greatest challenges.
Keep it complex
When knowledge is uncertain, experts should avoid pressures to simplify their advice. Render decision-makers accountable for decisions, says Andy Stirling.