Publications

Is Science in Big Trouble?

The 5th World Conference on Research Integrity will explore the challenges of promoting transparency and accountability in research — and develop an agenda for action

Lex Bouter in Elsevier

Recently a sobering overview of the seven biggest problems facing science1 suggested that science is in big trouble. Although the authors conclude that science is not doomed, they make it abundantly clear that there is an urgent need for improvement. The problems mentioned concern poor study design, failing peer review, lack of replicability, and the counterproductive stress young academics face. Number one on the list is shortage of research funds, leading to a perverse incentive to produce positive and spectacular results. A recent survey in Times Higher Education suggested that there is indeed a huge problem with research integrity.2

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