opinion articles
Send us a link
Conflicts of Interest in Scientific Publishing
Golden OA creates a conflict of interest: in a situation where the number of scientists is larger than the number of available positions, both journals and scientists benefit from publishing as many articles as possible.
Tech as We Know It Would Not Exist Without Immigrants
This Thanksgiving, we bring you four portraits of immigrants in tech—from the C-Suite to the gig economy.
We've Failed: Pirate Black Open Access Is Trumping Green and Gold and We Must Change Our Approach
We've Failed: Pirate Black Open Access Is Trumping Green and Gold and We Must Change Our Approach
While green and gold open access have been put forward as two worthy emperors, it is time to conclude that they are unclothed.
Rewarding Negative Results Keeps Science on Track
Creating a culture of replication takes prizes, grants and magnanimity — as well as publications.
European Taxpayers Are Changing Lives, but People Don't Always Know It
Carlos Moedas, EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, has called for political leaders to speak more about science and innovation to connect people with the life-changing research that is funded by their taxes and has the potential to combat urgent global problems.
You Are Never Going to Have Breakthrough Ideas Without Risk
High-risk, high-reward ideas in areas such as AI, blockchain and synthetic biology are typical contenders for support from the EU’s new Innovation Council.
Will Fury Over Harvey Weinstein Allegations Change Academe’s Handling of Harassment?
Will Fury Over Harvey Weinstein Allegations Change Academe’s Handling of Harassment?
The accusations against the Hollywood producer have prompted frank conversations about sexual misconduct. But it will still take a lot to shift how higher education treats such cases, experts say.
Can a Checklist Improve the Quality of Reporting of Clinical Trials?
On the important role of professional medical writers in improving the quality of reports on clinical trials.
European Innovation Council Essential to Empower Breakthrough Innovators
The independent High-Level Group of Innovators recommends bringing all relevant EU funding schemes into a single, fit-for-purpose 'one-stop-shop' for innovation financing.
The Case for 'Open Science': Do We Need Intellectual Property Law?
Professor Aled Edwards asks why we need an Intellectual Property law.
How Canada Can Lead the World in Innovating Innovation
A new system must build cross-sector collaboration, lower barriers to working together, and create excitement and tangible know-how to attract investment.
The Fallacy of Open-Access Publication
It’s clearly not open to all if scholars are required to pay to publish their results.
A New Model for Science Communication
SciComm: Why it is essential, and how we can do it better.
Does Academia Need Another Alternative to For-Profit Scholarly Platforms?
Last week another nonprofit platform called ScholarlyHub announced its plans for a site where researchers can also exchange ideas and work—if they pay a subscription fee.
It's Time to Incentivise the Behaviours That Are Good for Research and Researchers
It's Time to Incentivise the Behaviours That Are Good for Research and Researchers
The importance of addressing researchers’ recognition and reward structures, arguing it is time to move to a system that uses metrics and indicators that incentivise the types of behaviours that are good for research and researchers.
It’s Time for a Revolution in Data Access
Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is eager to see Gates Open Research match the performance of Wellcome Open Research.
The Future of Open Access Should Not Be Left to the Legacy Publishers
The Future of Open Access Should Not Be Left to the Legacy Publishers
The interests of the legacy publishers cannot co-exist with the ideals of the Open Access movement.
Puppetmasters - Who Is Pulling the Strings in the New Information Economy?
Information manipulation is not new, yet everything is different. How do governments, preprints, algorithms, and our own responsibilities intersect? Where does peer review come in now?
Innovative Research and Creative Output: From Ideas to Impact
How do evolving forms of digital scholarship fit into the current landscape and what are the implications for publishers?
'Null' Research Findings Aren't Empty of Meaning. Let's Publish Them
Science could benefit from more reporting of null findings, even if the reports were briefer and had less detail than would be needed for peer review.
Tackling ‘the Thin File’ That Can Prevent a Promotion
Recently, I have worked with a number of professional services firms committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. By Iris Bohnet.
Too Many Academics Study the Same People
Researchers should recognize communities that feel over-researched and under-rewarded.
Access vs. Accessibility in Scholarship and Science
Ideally, we want science and scholarship to be not only available to the general public, but also comprehensible to them. But the challenges to doing so are real, and may vary both by discipline and by study type.
Why 'Statistical Significance' Is Often Insignificant
Researchers who want professorships are sometimes driven to publish suspect findings.