Bold ideas and critical thoughts on science.

Science as we know it today would be simply impossible without a multitude of critical services that enable scientists to connect and to collaborate, to share and to disseminate knowledge. These infrastructures often remain in the background and only become visible when they no longer work. But what kind of infrastructure fits the demands of increasingly networked research? Who should build it and make it available? Who may use it and who may not? Our next dossier will deal with the topic of research infrastructure. Join us on the search for answers in the upcoming weeks!

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

Surveillance Publishing

Surveillance Publishing

Jefferson Pooley on Surveillance Publishing, its history in modern societies during the last couple of decades, and the potential costs of these practices for both service providers and their users.

The impact of bioenergy research

The impact of bioenergy research

Glaucia Souza on the introduction of BioFuels in Sao Paulo and all over Brazil, her activities at BIOEN and the transfer of technologies for more sustainable forms of mobility into practice.

The Science Must Go On

The Science Must Go On

In this opinion-piece Katharina C. Cramer discusses the impact of the Corona-Crisis on large scale research infrastructures and their limits of performance in the current situation.

Higher Education in Crisis Times

Higher Education in Crisis Times

In this interview with Teresa Völker, Prof. Villa talks about the initiative “Nicht-Semster” (calling for a cancellation of the regular spring semester during the Corona crisis) and how the crisis impacts the infrastructure of the german higher education system. 

Ideas as Infrastructure

Ideas as Infrastructure

Øyvind Paasche on the immaterial kinds of infrastructure in science and the fundamental role of trust, transparency and openness.