Bold ideas and critical thoughts on science.

Elephant in the lab

Power

Academia – we would like to imagine, is a place where collaboration outweighs competition, recognition is tied only to merit and resources are equally distributed. However, we know in reality that the playing field is not equal for all participants and a select few often possess more power and privilege than others. This power imbalance does not only promote egocentric practices, inequalities and hierarchies, but also diminishes opportunities for innovation and good scientific practice, as well as increases the likelihood of mental health issues.

What is your take on Power? We welcome contributions on this topic.

Articles on that issue

How TikTok Science Communicators Navigate Norms and Values in the Age of Generative AI

How TikTok Science Communicators Navigate Norms and Values in the Age of Generative AI

This article explores the evolving phenomenon of science communication in social media and the norms and values that shape these online spaces. We interviewed science communicators on TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms globally, about using generative AI to produce science-related social media content. We found that authenticity, creativity, and academic integrity are central values of online science communication and shed light on how these spaces operate.

Generative AI in knowledge work

Generative AI in knowledge work

As generative AI applications in science proliferate they prompt a self-reflection on work routines in scientific knowledge production. At the same time, scientific institutions, publishing bodies, and funding agencies are confronted with both regulatory challenges and the task of promoting the use of generative AI in line with good scientific practice.

What happens to science when it communicates?

What happens to science when it communicates?

In August 2023 Benedikt Fecher conducted an interview with Clemens Blümel from the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) on the topic of ‘what happens when science opens up and communicates’ and the emerging challenges for future scientific communication.

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