Science Forever

Science Forever Substack critically examines issues in science, academia, and policy, highlighting challenges in scientific integrity, academic freedom, and the societal role of science. It dissects how political, social, and institutional dynamics impact scientific discourse, education, and governance, advocating for evidence-based decision-making and inclusivity in the scientific community.

Scientific Integrity and Misinformation Academic Freedom and Governance Diversity and Inclusion in Science Science Communication and Public Trust Higher Education Policy and Administration Mental Health in Academia Science and Society

The hottest Substack posts of Science Forever

And their main takeaways

Who is a scientist?

338 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🔬 Science Diversity Philosophy Collaboration Policy Education
  1. Recognizing and valuing collaboration between Western and indigenous scientists is essential in making groundbreaking discoveries.
  2. The definition of a scientist can vary from narrow to broad, but ultimately, anyone contributing to the scientific enterprise is considered a scientist.
  3. Being a scientist is not limited to just lab work; it encompasses various roles like science policy, communication, illustration, and education.

Thanks to STAT for putting me on the STATUS list

159 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Academic Publishing Data Integrity
  1. Holden Thorp was named by STAT News to the STATUS list of top 50 leaders in the life sciences for his work in research integrity.
  2. Thorp has challenged the stigma around corrections and retractions in scientific publishing, advocating for increasing public trust in the scientific enterprise.
  3. Recognition also goes to the team at Science, including Valda Vinson, Lauren Kmec, Meagan Phelan, and Lisa Chong, for their contributions to research policies and Thorp's work.

Talking science communication with a Mythbuster

119 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🔬 Science Communication Research Experiment Climate change Myths
  1. Science communication should be personalized and emotional to engage people effectively.
  2. Revisiting and retesting myths is an essential part of the scientific process and can lead to different results.
  3. Encouraging transparency in scientific publishing, advocating for open access, and embracing the self-correcting nature of science can help address the reproducibility crisis.

Help Wanted: Who wants to be a college president?

159 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed
  1. College presidents face challenges in navigating political traps and public scrutiny
  2. There is a demand for leaders who can handle complex situations with grace and academic qualification
  3. Support for college presidents, even when they are facing criticism, is crucial
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Scientific celebrity has its dangers

338 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🔬 Science Communication Public Perception
  1. Scientific figures communicating with the public are essential, but crossing over into mainstream celebrity can make critics undermine the scientific process.
  2. History shows the dangers of overselling research prematurely, especially when mixed with personal fame, which can provide ammunition to those seeking to undermine science.
  3. The importance of scientists communicating with wide audiences while also maintaining humility and acknowledging the uncertainties in science as a process.

Oppenheimer shows scientists' humanity

557 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🔬 Science History Drama Ethics
  1. Oppenheimer's inner turmoil over leading Los Alamos and trying to stop nuclear weapons is a key aspect of the movie.
  2. Scientists have difficulty keeping scientific findings to themselves due to egos and the belief that knowledge belongs to the world.
  3. Edward Teller is portrayed as the most evil scientist for his role in developing the hydrogen bomb and his ties to the military industrial complex.

Nice story in the new College Access Rankings

338 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🚌 Education Access Diversity Admissions Standardized tests
  1. Washington University in St. Louis made impressive strides in increasing economic and racial diversity through strategic financial aid policies and initiatives.
  2. Efforts to attract low-income, Black, and Hispanic students did not compromise academic standards, challenging stereotypes about test scores and student demographics.
  3. Progressive financial aid policies, like need-blind admissions and a no-loan policy, have significantly improved access to quality education, setting a positive example for other institutions.

Scientists shouldn't debate gaslighters

557 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🔬 Science Debates Rhetoric
  1. Gaslighters should not be debated by scientists as it can give them undeserved credibility and make the scientists look like nitpicking nerds.
  2. Debating gaslighters can lead to a situation where the huckster's misinformation is seen as equal to well-established scientific principles.
  3. It's crucial for the scientific community to find skilled communicators who can effectively counter the rhetoric of gaslighters like RFK Jr.

Leaders must have followers

417 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Leaders need followers to lead effectively. Leading is about attracting, cajoling, accumulating political capital, and communicating to engage people.
  2. Boards in institutions shouldn't make academic judgments, but rather express confidence in the process. This ensures objective decisions are made.
  3. Running institutions with thousands of people requires more than just giving orders - it's about building followership. Once leaders lose followers, they can't lead effectively.

The FL vaccine study used by the surgeon general was altered

557 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Misinformation Public Health
  1. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo used an altered study to support his views on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, but the data he referred to did not compare the vaccine risks to the risks of COVID-19.
  2. Challenging scientific consensus should go through established processes like peer review, not by omitting data or spreading misinformation in op-eds and white papers.
  3. The scientific community needs to find ways to counter anti-science movements that exploit confusion and established processes to push political agendas.

Shared governance is dead in Florida

537 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Florida Education Academic Freedom Constitution
  1. Shared governance in Florida higher education is facing challenges, with Governor DeSantis asserting significant control.
  2. There's a misunderstanding of shared governance, with some trustees using it as a reason to micromanage instead of collaborating with campus experts.
  3. DeSantis' office claims he holds all decision-making power over universities in Florida, jeopardizing academic freedom and the roles of faculty senate and student government.

Tessier-Lavigne resignation shows that running a lab is a full-time job

358 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. Running a research laboratory is a full-time job that requires undivided attention.
  2. Principal investigators should not try to balance a high-profile administrative role with running a lab, as it can lead to issues.
  3. University search committees should address the issue by inquiring about the PI's plan to manage both the lab and other responsibilities.

Mental health should come first at colleges

159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Mental health should be a top priority in colleges because it is a foundation for academic success and fostering healthy conversations.
  2. Institutions should prioritize mental health and wellness along with academic excellence, rather than treating it as a separate issue.
  3. Efforts to support mental health in colleges should involve comprehensive plans, training for staff and faculty, and leadership dedicated to well-being.

Universities continue to embarrass themselves over rankings

179 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🚌 Education Rankings
  1. Changes in university rankings have led to improvements for some public universities at the expense of some private universities who prioritize rankings above other aspects of their missions.
  2. Despite the impact of university rankings, students and families consider various factors when choosing a college, with rankings not always being the deciding factor.
  3. Private universities' reactions to rankings changes and public universities' focus on educational equity and social mobility highlight important differences in the higher education landscape.

The court's colorblindness scam

318 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Supreme Court Racism
  1. The recent affirmative action decision by the US Supreme Court has both short-term and long-term damaging effects, particularly impacting students of color and their academic performance.
  2. The court's ruling did not invalidate admission preferences for legacy applicants, athletes, donors' children, and faculty members' children, which predominantly benefit white applicants.
  3. The decision raises questions about the inconsistency in the application of color blindness, as it critiques race-based preferences for some applicants while not addressing others.

Talking research integrity at Stanford

19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Integrity Academia Publications Errors
  1. Research integrity issues are systemic, not just due to individual mistakes. Institutions must take responsibility for addressing these problems.
  2. Tools like Proofig help catch errors in papers, emphasizing the importance of correcting mistakes promptly.
  3. Reducing stigma around correcting papers, proactive responses from institutions, and encouraging a culture of self-correction are crucial for improving research integrity.

University investigations don't get you back to the future

199 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🚌 Education Resignations
  1. University investigations often lead to the end of college presidencies, even when results may not be severe
  2. Presidents should communicate openly and address questions from reporters during investigations to better manage public perception
  3. Investigations may not fully resolve issues, leading to a buildup of negative perception that can still result in consequences

It matters who does science

358 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🔬 Science Research Identity Bias Diversity
  1. Scientific research is a collaborative and iterative process involving diverse perspectives, not just individual 'Eureka' moments.
  2. Acknowledging the human element in science, including errors, helps build public trust and improve the scientific process.
  3. Diverse backgrounds and identities among scientists lead to more robust research outcomes, faster consensus building, and fairer implications for all.

"Bama Rush" had enough in it to show why Greek life is corrosive

318 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture College Documentary
  1. College administrators often have negative views on Greek life due to behavior like hazing and exclusion, but may not openly criticize it due to alumni power and donations.
  2. Secrecy plays a significant role in sustaining the problematic behaviors within Greek life, enabling cover-ups of incidents and maintaining an environment of exclusivity and illegal activities.
  3. Documentaries like 'Bama Rush' shed light on the detrimental impact of secrecy within Greek organizations, showing how it enables and protects harmful behaviors while raising questions about universities' support for such clandestine systems.

Happy 4th of July

258 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🔬 Science News Research Commentary
  1. News, Research, and Commentary are key areas in the Science journals, each with its unique approach.
  2. Editors for News are independent to maintain reporting integrity, while subject experts handle Research papers.
  3. In Commentary, individual authors share their opinions, distinct from editorial decisions on research papers.

We need more real stories about scientists

258 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🔬 Science Research Theater COVID
  1. Scientists need to share more real stories to show their human side and rebuild trust
  2. Art forms like TV, movies, and theater can help portray scientists' real lives and experiences
  3. The play 'Love + Science' successfully intertwines human lives with scientific discoveries

The NYT fell for Elizabeth Holmes just like the investors did

318 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Crime Influence Injustice Entertainment
  1. Elizabeth Holmes has been successful in reputation laundering with the help of her PR firm, as seen in the NYT article that paints a flattering image of her
  2. Investors tend to prioritize personality over substance, as shown in the Holmes saga, where she convinced influential individuals to invest in a technology that was not feasible
  3. Media outlets like NYT have fallen for the charismatic facade of individuals like Holmes, choosing style over substance, despite the harmful consequences of their actions

College leaders should say what they stand for

298 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🚌 Education Leadership Higher education Politics Institutions Challenges
  1. College leaders should clearly communicate their values and beliefs, even in the face of political pressure. Staying true to one's values can lead to respect and support from the community.
  2. Presidents who stand up for their beliefs may face challenges, but they often land in new fulfilling positions. Those who prioritize the board's wishes over campus values may not fare as well.
  3. Institutions benefit from leaders who stick to their principles. Even if presidents are let go, they usually find other positive opportunities as long as they remain aligned with their beliefs.

Mifepristone ruling is classic anti-science strategy

278 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Science Policy Judiciary Conservatism
  1. Conservatives often create confusion about science to avoid debating real issues, a strategy seen in various historical and political contexts.
  2. The recent mifepristone ruling in Texas reflects the attempt to cast doubt on scientific evidence by individuals without the necessary qualifications, which could have significant consequences for public health policies and the credibility of regulatory agencies like the FDA.
  3. The ruling not only poses a threat to abortion access but also carries broader implications by potentially undermining the FDA's authority and the trust in established medical science.

Bad week for academic freedom

218 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic Freedom
  1. Recent events in Florida and North Carolina have highlighted threats to academic freedom, as politicians accuse faculty of indoctrinating students.
  2. The weakening of educational materials in subjects like African American studies sets a dangerous precedent for applying political pressure and limiting academic content.
  3. Challenges to academic freedom in areas like Black history can have ripple effects on other scientific topics like climate change and health issues, impacting the quality of education.

Universities need to deal with trainee compensation

159 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🚌 Education Compensation Unionization Higher Ed
  1. Universities are facing challenges regarding the compensation of their trainees, leading to unionization efforts.
  2. Graduate students are advocating for fair compensation as they contribute significantly to research efforts and are considered full-time employees.
  3. The financial strain on universities due to demands for better compensation for graduate students is a significant issue in higher education.

Interview with AMNH President Sean Decatur

119 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Interview Museum Education Science Ethics
  1. Museums like the AMNH play a vital role in preserving collections that help us understand the biodiversity and evolutionary history of life on Earth.
  2. Ethical collecting practices are crucial in the field, with a focus on forming partnerships and collaborations to ensure clarity and responsibility in specimen collection.
  3. Informal science education at museums, such as the AMNH, provides a unique platform for inspiring curiosity, understanding the scientific process, and addressing important issues like climate change to the public.

The College Board lied about AP AfAm

159 implied HN points • 01 May 23
📰 News Education
  1. The College Board made revisions to the AP African American Studies course that were not in line with AP procedures, despite claiming otherwise.
  2. Emails revealed College Board's lack of consultation with a professor regarding changes to the course, leading to acknowledgement of violating core processes.
  3. College Board executives publicly maintained that all procedures were followed correctly, while privately apologizing for deviating from core processes.

We still know what the problem is

159 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Education National Security Policy
  1. Gun violence in the United States is not primarily a mental health issue, but a result of easy access to firearms supported by politicians misinterpreting the Second Amendment.
  2. Ensuring physical safety on university campuses is crucial for fostering a conducive environment for learning and innovation.
  3. The presence of firearms on campuses and in communities poses a competitiveness disadvantage for the U.S. in the global arena and undermines progress in academic and scientific fields.

Interview with Tony Fauci

139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Government Science communication Vaccine Hesitancy
  1. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are exacerbated by the huge impact of social media, making it challenging to counter with correct information.
  2. Challenges exist in countering misinformation when highly credentialed individuals spread inaccurate information, creating difficulty in preserving the integrity of scientific communication.
  3. Communicating the evolving nature of science and the iterative self-correcting process can aid in improving science literacy and public understanding.

The US News rankings are evil

119 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🚌 Education Rankings Higher education
  1. A sharp Columbia professor revealed manipulation in US News ranking, leading to significant drops in rankings.
  2. Law schools like Yale and Harvard are standing up against the system gaming in the rankings, challenging the norm of 'T-14'.
  3. Top medical schools, such as Washington University, are following suit to withdraw from rankings, signaling a shift in focus towards more meaningful aspects of education and research.

Mike Lauer talks about the foreign influence investigations

79 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🔬 Science Research Collaboration Integrity Communication Government
  1. There were challenges in communicating the foreign influence investigation properly, leading to disruptions in researchers' careers.
  2. There was a lack of direct communication with individual scientists involved, causing confusion and fear.
  3. Efforts were made to shift from a prosecutorial approach to an administrative approach, fostering engagement and open communication in the scientific community.

Market fundamentalism drives science denial

99 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🔬 Science Science communication
  1. Market fundamentalism is a driving force behind science denial, as explored in 'The Big Myth' by Oreskes and Conway.
  2. The book 'Merchants of Doubt' reveals how highly credentialed scientists used their expertise to cast doubt on science requiring government regulation.
  3. The Big Myth delves into the why of science denial, exploring how corporations and conservative operatives have promoted market fundamentalism over the past century.

Talking about objectivity and representation in journalism with Amna Nawaz

79 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📰 News Journalism Representation Media Truth
  1. Journalists bring their whole selves to their work, which includes their lived experiences and perspectives, improving storytelling and representation.
  2. The evolution of journalism includes a shift towards more diverse voices and perspectives, challenging the traditional norms set by a homogenous group in the past.
  3. Objectivity in journalism is important, but the process towards the truth is a collective effort involving diverse backgrounds and experiences, akin to the process of scientific consensus.

Join me on Notes

79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Substack Notes Subscribers
  1. Notes on Substack is a new space for sharing various content like links, short posts, quotes, and more that may not fit in newsletters.
  2. As a subscriber to Science Forever, you can easily access and engage with the Notes section by visiting substack.com/notes or using the Substack app.
  3. Readers of Science Forever are encouraged to share their own notes on the platform, making it a community space for sharing thoughts, ideas, and quotes.

And now Holden's Substack

99 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Social media Science Communication
  1. Holden Thorp is building up accounts on alternative platforms to Twitter like Mastodon and Post
  2. He is the Editor-in-Chief of _Science_ and will use his Substack for various interests beyond science like jazz, theater, and sports
  3. Subscribe to Holden's Substack if you enjoy his Tweets for more amusing musings and personal anecdotes