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

Exxon knew

79 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. ExxonMobil knew about climate change but misled the public, a paper details the corporate deceit.
  2. The paper has gained widespread attention and coverage from various news outlets like the New York Times and The Guardian.
  3. ExxonMobil's models accurately predicted future temperature rise, but they hid this information from the public.

Talking science with the UKRI CEO

59 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🔬 Science Research Innovation Biology Technology Education
  1. UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) is an organization formed by merging various research councils and bodies to drive progress in research and innovation across disciplines efficiently.
  2. UKRI CEO, Ottoline Leyser, discusses the importance of associating with Horizon Europe for research collaborations and the challenges of aligning UK & EU funding mechanisms.
  3. Focusing on expanding research excellence and innovation nationwide, UKRI implements programs like the Strength in Places Fund and Innovation Accelerator pilots to drive local capacity building and economic growth.

We need a Senate-confirmed NIH Director

79 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. A Senate-confirmed NIH Director is needed, but there hasn't been one a year after Collins left.
  2. Having a confirmed director is crucial for addressing key priorities and opportunities at the NIH.
  3. It's important for morale and effectiveness that the nomination of a permanent NIH Director is prioritized.

Talking with Tony Fauci

79 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
🔬 Science Policy Communication COVID Podcasts Public Service
  1. Tony Fauci sets himself apart by being forthcoming in his communication, unlike many government scientists who stick to crafted statements.
  2. Real-time communication from scientists like Fauci reflects the evolving nature of knowledge, even though it may lead to criticism from politicians.
  3. Fauci believes scientists have a duty to speak truthfully and openly, promoting transparency in government discussions and decision-making.
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STEM teaching deserves recognition

39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🚌 Education STEM Teaching Higher Ed Workforce Recognition
  1. Recognizing STEM teaching as a distinct workforce is important for addressing issues like racism, sexism, misconduct, and underrepresentation in the science field.
  2. Institutions struggle to balance the value of research and teaching, often favoring research in resource allocation and decision-making.
  3. Defining undergraduate teaching staff as a separate workforce could improve governance, professional development opportunities, and evaluation criteria, ultimately benefiting both educators and institutions in the long run.

Interview with Alondra Nelson

39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Making Equity Diversity STEM
  1. Alondra Nelson focused on improving trust and transparency in science policy during her leadership at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, emphasizing the importance of restoring trust and being more transparent in government work.
  2. She highlighted the need for scientists to engage with broader societal contexts, advocating for scientists to consider the social implications of their work, especially in the intersection of science and society.
  3. Nelson prioritized advancing equity in the scientific workforce and grant-making, underscoring the significance of coordinated efforts across various government agencies and partnerships to drive meaningful change towards STEM equity and inclusion.

Breakthrough of the Year is JWST

39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🔬 Science Space NASA Inspiration Coverage
  1. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is Science's Breakthrough of the Year for 2022.
  2. There is an insightful video available related to the coverage of JWST, created by Kevin McClean and Megan Cantwell.
  3. Despite controversy, there is a call to rename the JWST to better reflect inclusivity in space exploration.

Right Telescope, Wrong Name

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🔬 Science Astronomy Inspiration NASA LGBTQ+
  1. The James Webb Space Telescope is a significant achievement recognized as Science's Breakthrough of the Year.
  2. The naming of the telescope after Jim Webb has sparked controversy due to his association with homophobia in the exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals from NASA.
  3. The decision to keep the telescope's name despite its negative connotations has stirred criticism and disappointment.

Colleges need to improve teaching to earn public trust

1 HN point • 12 Mar 24
🚌 Education Teaching Higher education Students Administration
  1. Colleges should prioritize teaching above research and other activities to regain public trust.
  2. There is a discrepancy between public expectation of universities focusing on teaching and the actual allocation of resources to research and unrelated activities.
  3. Improving teaching quality requires collaboration among faculty, administrators, and trustees to adjust incentives and prioritize education.

Can the UK broaden its horizons in research?

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🔬 Science Research Collaboration Funding Policy International
  1. Brexit tensions have caused a loss of funding for UK collaborations with European researchers, affecting scientific innovation. The UK needs to navigate complex agreements to regain those collaborations.
  2. The UK's aspiration to be a 'science superpower' is challenged without strong collaborations with Horizon Europe. Rebuilding partnerships may take years and is contingent on trade deals and agreements with the EU.
  3. Isolated science is less effective than shared science. The UK risks missing out on vital collaborations and scientific progress if it can't participate in international research partnerships.

Changing retraction criteria for Science family

19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🔬 Science Research Errors Publishing Corrections
  1. Extensive corrections in scientific papers may lead to a retraction if confidence is lacking
  2. Retracting a paper could be considered if there is an accumulation of errors, causing editors to lose confidence in the data integrity
  3. Transparently correcting errors in scientific research is crucial to maintain the integrity of the self-correcting process of science

Coming soon

19 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🔬 Science General
  1. Holden Thorp is launching a newsletter called 'Science Forever' that focuses on Science and science.
  2. The newsletter will be hosted on holdenthorp.substack.com.
  3. The post advertises the upcoming launch of the newsletter, inviting readers to subscribe.