Reforming science: methodological and cultural reforms

A Casadevall, FC Fang - Infection and immunity, 2012 - Am Soc Microbiol
Infection and immunity, 2012Am Soc Microbiol
Contemporary science has brought about technological advances and an unprecedented
understanding of the natural world. However, there are signs of dysfunction in the scientific
community as well as threats from diverse antiscience and political forces. Incentives in the
current system place scientists under tremendous stress, discourage cooperation,
encourage poor scientific practices, and deter new talent from entering the field. It is time for
a discussion of how the scientific enterprise can be reformed to become more effective and …
Contemporary science has brought about technological advances and an unprecedented understanding of the natural world. However, there are signs of dysfunction in the scientific community as well as threats from diverse antiscience and political forces. Incentives in the current system place scientists under tremendous stress, discourage cooperation, encourage poor scientific practices, and deter new talent from entering the field. It is time for a discussion of how the scientific enterprise can be reformed to become more effective and robust. Serious reform will require more consistent methodological rigor and a transformation of the current hypercompetitive scientific culture.
American Society for Microbiology