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A Policy Framework for Inclusive Research Design

A Policy Framework for Inclusive Research Design

Lilian Hunt, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health Lead at Wellcome, tells us about a framework to improve inclusive research policies and its impact for future research design.

US should expand rules for risky virus research to more pathogens, panel says

US should expand rules for risky virus research to more pathogens, panel says

Draft report from biosecurity panel examining “gain-of-function” research policy gets mixed response from outside experts.

How to Talk to Policymakers About Research

How to Talk to Policymakers About Research

This article summarises common errors when talking to policymakers about research and looks at how to improve the relationship between researchers and policymakers.

New Science Jargon for the New Year

New Science Jargon for the New Year

If only there was a list of words all scientists can share—words that will baffle outsiders unfamiliar with the pressures we face, but that every scientist will understand.  This article proposes, in alphabetical order, some that you might find useful.

Why Jonny Can't Read: The Great Disconnect Between Reading Science and Policy

Why Jonny Can't Read: The Great Disconnect Between Reading Science and Policy

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff discuss the deficiencies in reading proficiency recently observed in the United States, provide an overview of possible culprits, and recommend how to solve the issue.

The 10 Biggest Science Stories of 2022 – Chosen by Scientists

The 10 Biggest Science Stories of 2022 – Chosen by Scientists

From moon missions to fast-charging batteries and AI-sourced antibiotics, in no particular order, the year's significant scientific developments.

Arrest of Former Head of Parliament's Science Think Tank Raises Questions over Ethical Integrity

Arrest of Former Head of Parliament's Science Think Tank Raises Questions over Ethical Integrity

The European Parliament is facing a reputation crisis after Eva Kaili, one of the its 14 vice presidents, was arrested over corruption charges last Friday. Kaili was one of four people arrested following 16 police searches in Brussels, during which €600,000 cash was seized. Following the arrest, Parliament president Roberta Metsola warned that "European democracy is under attack."

Fears for Academic Freedom As Indonesia Doubles Down on Scientists' Ban

Fears for Academic Freedom As Indonesia Doubles Down on Scientists' Ban

JAKARTA - Indonesian academics have called out the government for banning five foreign scientists after they questioned official claims of an increase in the country's orangutan population, warning that the move sets a disturbing precedent for academic freedom. In a statement to the government, scientists grouped under the Academic Freedom Advocacy Team called the ban […]

How Can We Achieve Europe's Ambitions in terms of Research?

How Can We Achieve Europe's Ambitions in terms of Research?

The ERA was launched in January 2000, in the year that the EU set itself the ambitious goal to become by 2010, "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world", as part of its Lisbon strategy. One of the key planks of the strategy was to raise overall R&D investment within the European Union to 3% of GDP.

Alternatives to Animal Testing: Science, Ethics and the Law

Alternatives to Animal Testing: Science, Ethics and the Law

Laura Rego Alvarez, Head of Science Policy & Regulation, Cruelty Free International, discusses the science and ethics behind alternatives to animal testing 

In Canada, Scientists Are Struggling With Stagnant Funding

In Canada, Scientists Are Struggling With Stagnant Funding

When science minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government would be awarding CA$1 billion to research projects, scientists soon realised that the $1 billion was existing, not new, money.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The Hidden Toll of Community Outreach

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The Hidden Toll of Community Outreach

Caught in a system eager for success stories, a PhD student from an underrepresented background learns how to balance his challenges in the lab with his desire to serve his community.

Bird Declines Boost Case for Transformative Biodiversity Agreement in Montreal

Bird Declines Boost Case for Transformative Biodiversity Agreement in Montreal

The world is losing species alarmingly fast. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), an independent science and policy group, says a million species face extinction. Few animals bring these unsettling losses into sharper focus than birds: Populations of 49% of avian species are decreasing, according to a September 2022 report by […]

Science and Multilateralism to Deliver Change

Science and Multilateralism to Deliver Change

The recently concluded climate COP also demonstrated how science is integral to multilateralism. Yes, the outcome was a mixed bag. The language on 1.5 degrees C and ending fossil fuels was weak, but we did see history made with a loss and damage fund.