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Research on Research is Needed Now More Than Ever
Marking the launch of a new research on research institute, James Wilsdon reflects on the challenges of making good research and development policy. One surprising thread of continuity between Boris Johnson’s government and that of Theresa May, is its enthusiasm for research and innovation.
Do University Rankings Measure Anything at All?
There are more university comparisons than ever before, but some argue there is little reliable or actionable information to be gleaned from them.
What's in a Name? How False Author Affiliations Are Damaging Academic Research
What's in a Name? How False Author Affiliations Are Damaging Academic Research
When reading a research paper, can you be certain that the institution the author claims to be affiliated with is actually the institution that was responsible for supporting the research?
If World Leaders Choose to Fail Us, My Generation Will Never Forgive Them | Greta Thunberg
If World Leaders Choose to Fail Us, My Generation Will Never Forgive Them | Greta Thunberg
We are in the middle of a climate breakdown, and all they can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth, says climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Can We Assess the Wider Effects of Public Engagement?
The extent to which researchers can assess the impact of their public engagement is often under-analysed and limited to success stories. Drawing on the example of development aid, it is argued that we need to widen the parameters for assessing public engagement.
The Problems of Unit Costs Per Article
Every five minutes or so, someone tries to come up with a cost-per-article figure for academic publishing. Martin Paul Eve explains why he finds himself wanting to resist the temptation.
Quality in Peer Review: An Interview with Tracey Brown, Sense About Science
Continuing our celebration of Peer Review Week 2019, today Alice Meadows interviews Tracey Brown, OBE, Director of Sense about Science, which has been involved in Peer Review Week from the start.
Seven Steps to Make Travel to Scientific Conferences More Sustainable
Seven Steps to Make Travel to Scientific Conferences More Sustainable
Researchers should learn to travel better to mitigate their climate impacts. Institutions can help by facilitating and rewarding sustainable travel behaviour, rather than fuelling the pressure to attend conferences, say Olivier Hamant, Timothy Saunders and Virgile Viasnoff.
Quality is Multi-Dimensional: How Many Ways Can You Define Quality in Peer Review?
Quality is Multi-Dimensional: How Many Ways Can You Define Quality in Peer Review?
Alice Meadows and Karin Wulf kick off the fifth annual Peer Review Week with their thoughts on defining quality in peer review principles and practices.
Universities Look to Add More Support For First-Generation Graduate Students
Universities Look to Add More Support For First-Generation Graduate Students
"My family didn't understand the internship process or why I wasn’t getting paid yet. That causes some psychological distress."
Universities Need to Do More to Support Grad Student Parents
The financial strain of having a baby during her Ph.D. put this researcher's career in jeopardy.
American Universities Are Addicted to Billionaires
What happened when Jeffrey Epstein funded science and tech? Women were excluded.
Switzerland Was Sent into Scientific Exile. No Deal Could Mean the Same for Britain
Switzerland Was Sent into Scientific Exile. No Deal Could Mean the Same for Britain
EU-backed research projects were slashed after Switzerland voted to curb immigration. The UK should take note.
The Grad Activist: Why I'm Striking for Climate | GradHacker
One graduate student explains the importance of the global climate strike.
We Scientists Must Rise Up to Prevent the Climate Crisis. Words Aren't Enough
The Future of European Research Must Be Inclusive
With Europe facing significant challenges over the next decade, it is vital that the EU's research activities are designed not just by bureaucrats but by a wide range of voices to ensure that they're fit for purpose, according to Jean-Eric Paquet, the European Commission's Director General for Research and Innovation.
Too Much Emphasis on Implicit Bias Impedes Gender Equality Efforts in Academia
Implicit bias - the presence of prejudices and stereotypes in the workplace - has been a topic of discussion both within and outside academia. Does this lead to a focus on the individual that masks embedded structures inhibiting gender equality?
Licence to Publish Will Restore Trust in Science
Researchers should be required to pass exams accredited by professional bodies to prove they have the skills to publish.
Memo to Italy's President: Your Researchers Need You
The collapse of Italy's coalition government has left researchers vulnerable. The president should use his moral authority with party leaders to make sure that promises of increased funding are kept.
The True Costs of Research and Publishing
Kathryn M. Rudy considers the huge expenses of doing scholarly work in her field of art history.
The Allure of the Journal Impact Factor Holds Firm, Despite Its Flaws
The Allure of the Journal Impact Factor Holds Firm, Despite Its Flaws
Many researchers still see the journal impact factor (JIF) as a key metric for promotions and tenure, despite concerns that it’s a flawed measure of a researcher’s value.
Academe Should Avoid Politicizing Educational Attainment
A warning of the dangers of politicizing educational attainment.
Peer Reviewers Need a Code of Conduct Too
Journals and editorial boards must accept their responsibility to guide positive reviewer behaviour and constructive feedback.
Open and Replicable Science Cannot Save Us from Academia
Researchers have tried for at least 200 years to change academia and they have all failed, claims opinion piece.