Menu
11/08/2003
Royal Society launches probe into research results
An investigation into the ways in which the results of scientific research are made public has been launched today by the Royal Society.
The probe has been prompted, says the society, by a "number of controversies" surrounding how and when scientists communicate their research results to the public, and whether scientists should check each other’s work before it is published.
A working group, chaired by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson, Vice-President of the Royal Society, and including members from the fields of consumer affairs, journalism, scientific publishing and academic and industrial science, has today issued a call for evidence to encourage submissions by the end of September about the strengths and weaknesses of current practices by researchers in communicating their results, and possible alternatives.
Sir Patrick said: “The results of scientific research can have quite profound effects on public opinion and policy, so it is important that scientists practise the highest standards of professionalism and integrity when communicating their results.
"At present, scientists rely almost exclusively on the practice of peer review, in which other experts check the quality of their results, analysis and interpretation before they are made public, as a safeguard against the communication of poorly conducted research.”
The working group will consider criticisms of the process of peer review and examine ways in which it might be improved. It will also investigate whether there are any alternatives to peer review for checking the quality of research results.
Sir Patrick added: “Peer review has been criticised for being too secretive, conducted behind closed doors and assessed by anonymous referees. It has also been suggested that it provides a way in which the establishment can prevent unorthodox ideas, methods and views, regardless of their merit, from being made public. We want to see if any evidence supports such a claim.”
(gmcg)
The probe has been prompted, says the society, by a "number of controversies" surrounding how and when scientists communicate their research results to the public, and whether scientists should check each other’s work before it is published.
A working group, chaired by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson, Vice-President of the Royal Society, and including members from the fields of consumer affairs, journalism, scientific publishing and academic and industrial science, has today issued a call for evidence to encourage submissions by the end of September about the strengths and weaknesses of current practices by researchers in communicating their results, and possible alternatives.
Sir Patrick said: “The results of scientific research can have quite profound effects on public opinion and policy, so it is important that scientists practise the highest standards of professionalism and integrity when communicating their results.
"At present, scientists rely almost exclusively on the practice of peer review, in which other experts check the quality of their results, analysis and interpretation before they are made public, as a safeguard against the communication of poorly conducted research.”
The working group will consider criticisms of the process of peer review and examine ways in which it might be improved. It will also investigate whether there are any alternatives to peer review for checking the quality of research results.
Sir Patrick added: “Peer review has been criticised for being too secretive, conducted behind closed doors and assessed by anonymous referees. It has also been suggested that it provides a way in which the establishment can prevent unorthodox ideas, methods and views, regardless of their merit, from being made public. We want to see if any evidence supports such a claim.”
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2015
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
The preferred bidder to construct a £200m state-of-the-art polar research ship has been named. Cammell Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project which will help the UK remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
The preferred bidder to construct a £200m state-of-the-art polar research ship has been named. Cammell Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project which will help the UK remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.
08 November 2012
Two Thirds Back Assisted Suicide
The majority of people back the notion of assisted suicide, according to research from Bangor University. The university found two thirds of over 62,000 people surveyed said they agreed with assisted suicide. The report also found that support was around the same among people with terminal illnesses as for the general public.
Two Thirds Back Assisted Suicide
The majority of people back the notion of assisted suicide, according to research from Bangor University. The university found two thirds of over 62,000 people surveyed said they agreed with assisted suicide. The report also found that support was around the same among people with terminal illnesses as for the general public.
21 January 2005
Research links intellect to suicide risk
A study published in the British Medical Journal has linked poor intelligence test scores in teenage boys with a risk of suicide in men. Researchers analysed the results of four intelligence tests, which were performed by 987,308 Swedish men at conscription into the military.
Research links intellect to suicide risk
A study published in the British Medical Journal has linked poor intelligence test scores in teenage boys with a risk of suicide in men. Researchers analysed the results of four intelligence tests, which were performed by 987,308 Swedish men at conscription into the military.
18 March 2008
Study Uncovers Miscarriage Predictor
A bedside test which could determine how likely a woman is to have a miscarriage could be developed, following a discovery by scientists. Researchers at Leicester University carried out a study, which found that women who had a particular, naturally-occurring molecule in their body were likely to suffer a miscarriage.
Study Uncovers Miscarriage Predictor
A bedside test which could determine how likely a woman is to have a miscarriage could be developed, following a discovery by scientists. Researchers at Leicester University carried out a study, which found that women who had a particular, naturally-occurring molecule in their body were likely to suffer a miscarriage.
19 May 2015
Calls To Lower Drink-Drive Limit In England
The Police Federation has said the drink-drive limit in England and Wales should be lowered. The organisation, which represents rank and file officers in England and Wales, wants the limit cut from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Calls To Lower Drink-Drive Limit In England
The Police Federation has said the drink-drive limit in England and Wales should be lowered. The organisation, which represents rank and file officers in England and Wales, wants the limit cut from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
