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Finch report implementation & review
The Finch Report , the Government's acceptance of its key recommendations, the new RCUK policies on open access, and the consultation by the Funding Councils on possible open access requirements for material to be submitted to the REF expected in 2020, have changed the open access landscape in the UK.
How simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries
In a 7 mins talk, Adam Savage walks through two examples of profound scientific discoveries that came from simple methods anyone could have followed: the calculation of the Earth's circumference around 200 BC and the measurement of the speed of light in 1849.
US science agencies get some relief in 2014 budget
Physical science wins bigger increases than biomedical research.
EMBO at 50
50 years ago, the European Molecular Biology Organization was founded by leading scientists who wished to create a network of cooperation in molecular biology.
A new funding model for scientists
What scientist hasn’t dreamed of spending less time getting funding and more time doing research?
Does it matter that there aren't more women in science?
A bibliometric analysis in Nature purports to confirm that women scientists are discriminated against. But the full picture might be much more interesting.
No peeking...
Once upon a time, it was common for scientists to receive letters from researchers working in other institutions, asking for reprints of papers they had published ...
Qualität in der Forschung
Qualität in der Forschung
Vor bestehendem Wissen keinen Respekt zu haben, ist Merkmal hochwertiger Forschung. Die Realität zeigt, dass die Welt von diesem Idealzustand erschreckend weit entfernt ist.
Can peer review be improved?
Scientific publishing is under the spotlight at the moment. Is it time for change?
Welche wissenschaftliche Idee ist reif für den Ruhestand?
Der amerikanische Literaturagent John Brockman stellt der Cyber-Elite jedes Jahr seine Edge-Frage. Lesen Sie an dieser Stelle eine Auswahl der jüngsten aufregenden und überraschenden Antworten.
Researchers propose alternative way to allocate science funding
1. Give all scientists an annual, unconditional fixed amount of funding to conduct their research. 2. All funded scientists are obliged to donate a fixed percentage of all of the funding that they previously received to other researchers: the funding circulates through the community, converging on researchers that are expected to make the best use of it.
Economics in the age of big data
Economics in the age of big data
The quality and quantity of data on economic activity are expanding.
What is it?
Open science is the concept of opening up all aspects of scientific research, to allow others to follow the process.
Ranking the rankings
International comparisons are popular, influential - and sometimes flawed
DIYBio comes of age
The next generation of DIYBio tools are coming, and this time they mean business.
Metrics survey reveals scepticism
There is widespread ‘scepticism’ about the use of metrics to assess research, according to new evidence.
Pioneering scientists share 35 mioCHF Breakthrough prize pot at US awards
Pioneering scientists share 35 mioCHF Breakthrough prize pot at US awards
Breakthrough Prizes may elevate scientists to rock-stars, showering the finest minds with lucrative awards.
Formula for success in scientific research
Formula for success in scientific research
Three girls whose passion has had award-winning and groundbreaking results offer tips for excelling at science
California leads to publicly funded research
California has become the first state to mandate open access for the products of taxpayer-funded research.
France prefers to pay (twice) for papers by its researchers
France may not have any money left for its universities but it does have money for academic publishers.
PLOS launches its Data Repository Integration Partner Program
PLOS launches its Data Repository Integration Partner Program
We announce the launch of a program which integrates our submission process with those of a select set of data repositories to better support data sharing.
New online library aims to 'equalise' science education
The World Library of Science will give students and teachers around the world access to the latest science.
It's like Robin Hood in reverse
Horizon 2020 has a budget of £63bn, but don’t expect a share unless you’re in one of the wealthiest countries and have a string of articles published in top journals.
Science research needs an overhaul
The current incentive structure often leads to dead-end studies-but there are ways to fix the problem.
Do scholars need 'performance free' time and space?
On the implications of academics being monitored in ever more and increasingly disparate aspects of work.
It takes time and a team to win grants
Ingredients to win a grant: start and finish early, seek feedback and file before deadline.
NSF Merit Review Process
The NSF released a compilation of statistics about its merit review process that will be of great interest to researchers.
Accumulation of knowledge as a challenge to science policy
There are shifts in individual innovative productivity, which is manifested by the fact that the contribution of young scientists to science is getting smaller and – as a result of deepening of specialization – the dominance of teamwork increases.