O problema da investigação/publicação científicas, hoje em dia, é muito mais grave do que parece à primeira vista. Está a transformar negativamente o trabalho das universidades e a descredibilizar a própria ciência.

A ciência como a conhecemos hoje nasceu duma luta tenaz contra os feudos totalitários da hierarquia eclesiástica de Roma. A ironia é que essa mesma ciência está a tornar-se naquilo contra o qual lutou: um feudo com os seus princípes, vassalos e escravos que controlam o que se publica, quem e onde. 

The problem with scientific publishing

PERIODICAL journals have been the principal means of disseminating science since the 17th century. Over the intervening three-and-a-half centuries journals have established conventions for publication—such as insisting on independent (and usually anonymous) peer review of submissions—that are intended to preserve the integrity of the scientific process. But they have come under increasing attack in recent years. What is wrong with scientific publishing in journals, and how can it be fixed?

The problems stem from the fact that journal publication now plays a role that was not part of the original job description: as indicators of a researcher’s prowess, and thus determinants of academic careers. The incentive to withhold results for months or years until research is published is therefore powerful. But such delays can do real harm: during the Zika crisis, sponsors of research had to persuade publishers to declare that scientists would not be penalised for releasing their findings early. Nor are elite journals (such as Nature and Science) the guardians of quality that they often claim to be. The number of papers so flawed that they need to be retracted has risen sharply in the past two decades, with glitzier journals pulling more papers than lower-profile counterparts. Worse, studies in elite journals are no more statistically robust than those in lesser ones.

Outro artigo:

Ethical issues in scientific publication

During the past decade, there has been a gradual erosion of ethical principles that guide scientific research as well as writing and publication. These changes have taken place during an era where professionalism has also declined and physicians are losing control of their practices to government and corporate sectors. Thus, a growing commercialization of research with its effects on the ethical conduct of researchers and the advancement of scientific knowledge are of concern today and need serious thought. The misconduct in research and publication not only affects other authors, but reviewers and editors also. However the worst sufferer is the patient. Misconducts, whether done intentionally or through ignorance, have the same consequence. There is no difference in the seriousness of misconduct if it is done through ignorance.

 E outro:

Scientific Publishing Is Killing Science

Academic journals today, even ones that only exist online, are still based on the centuries-old model of printed and bound matter that gets shipped to subscribers.