Reaching Out: Why are scientists trapped in the ivory tower and what can be done to escape?
Posted by Soapbox Science Editor | Categories: Science communication and outreach, Science Online NYC
But, it’s not all hugs and smiles. Recent reports by Ivan Oransky and Carl Zimmer have shed light on some of the more negative aspects of basic science research, particularly biomedical research. Both focused on the steep rise in retractions, which are scientific reports that are withdrawn post-publication, most often because of data-falsification. They also touched on why scientists might be more inclined to doctor their results, citing intense funding pressures associated with the, “publish or perish” mentality. I would like to extend these observations by providing a firsthand description of specific areas of basic science culture that I believe to be in dire need of an overhaul. Read more
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