Blogs: Correcting the libel laws, dodgy data and a struggling institution
The Royal Institution in London can claim 14 Nobel Prizes and the discovery of 10 chemical elements. But this most venerable of institutions is in a spot of financial bother after spending £20 million on refurbishments right before the economic downturn. Matt Brown argues that the RI needs to pull its socks up and blow its own trumpet more effectively.
I hate to be critical of the RI as it’s one of my favourite places in town. But it’s just not doing a good enough job of selling itself. You only have to visit the Wellcome Collection to see how successful a science-based cultural centre can be. Yesterday I had to queue to get a seat in its cafe and had to jostle to get near some of the museum cabinets (on a wet and snowy weekday afternoon). The RI is every bit as attractive once you know about it. But I fear that too few people do.
Brian Clegg is also vocal on the subject. He argues that the RI needs to go back to basics:
Personally, I would suggest that those in charge of the direction of the RI bite the bullet and ask ‘What do we do best?’ Despite that history of fundamental research, I’d suggest that the RI’s real strength has been science communication to the general public. If money has to be saved, I would reluctantly chop much or even all of the research work and concentrate on the communication side.
Elsewhere on the blogs, Jenny Rohn leads an interesting discussion about when to reveal experimental results, Stephen Curry updates us on the campaign to reform the UK libel laws, with a special visit from Simon Singh who knows more than most how hazardous those laws can be to a science journalist. Meanwhile, Richard Grant details a case of alleged data falsification by structural biologists.
And finally, we’re pleased to welcome a new blogger, Austin Elliott who’s not ranting…honestly. Austin’s been a regular commenter here for some time and “wants to provide a permanent home for over-extended comments I find myself writing on other peoples’ blogs”. We’re looking forward to lots more lively debates in the New Year!
Forums : UKRC guest blogger and How do you write?
In the Women in Science forum Ruth Wilson let us know about the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology’s current guest blogger who is Nature Networker, Angela Saini. Angela is currently in India, researching a book about science and perhaps needing some help getting started she’s posted the question how do you write? in the Science Writers Forum
From the Archive: Nature Network, The Best Blogs…Ever
Just in time for the end of the decade, this week saw the release of our three part album editorial – The Best of the Nature Network Blogs. We’ve selected 5 posts from each of the last three years, 2007 2008 and 2009 and you’re invited to select your favourite from each year. Votes up until midnight Sunday 20th will be counted and the results announced next week.
And finally…
Christmas is coming and the Network Elves have been busy preparing a present suitable for the New Year… Watch out for a special Christmas announcement next week!