Publish or perish – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

Academic publishing is often linked to promotions and bonuses. GettyImages

September 29, 2020

Paying commission to academics reduces the value of research

Sioux McKenna, Rhodes University and Dr Evelyn Muthama, Rhodes University

Universities that pay academics to publish their research should do so with caution.

A western blot allows scientists to detect specific proteins in tissue samples. from www.shutterstock.com

May 25, 2018

Demasi cleared, but images in science continue to attract intense scrutiny

Rachael Dunlop, Macquarie University

Western and northern blots help scientists identify specific proteins and RNA molecules in experimental samples. But results can be manipulated.

It’s not good if women’s research isn’t in the library stacks. Redd Angelo on Unsplash

March 8, 2018

Perish not publish? New study quantifies the lack of female authors in scientific journals

Ione Fine, University of Washington and Alicia Shen, University of Washington

Women are underrepresented in academic science. New research finds the problem is even worse in terms of who authors high-profile journal articles – bad news for women’s career advancement.

More is less in the world of research publications. Desktop image via www.shutterstock.com.

November 15, 2016

Peer review is in crisis, but should be fixed, not abolished

Tricia Serio, University of Arizona

The traditional mode of publishing scientific research faces much criticism – primarily for being too slow and sometimes shoddily done. Maybe fewer publications of higher quality is the way forward.

Sampling is a powerful scientific tool - when it’s used honestly. Shutterstock

July 25, 2016

The science of groundwater sampling needs a dose of honesty

Gaathier Mahed, North-West University

Some water researchers are ignoring the evidence offered by sampling if it doesn’t fit their preconceived notions. But science should always be honest and open.

Good science loses out when bad science gets the funding. Shutterstock/Looker Studio

July 18, 2016

We need to talk about the bad science being funded

Simon Gandevia, Neuroscience Research Australia

New studies on the quality of published research shows we could be wasting billions of dollars a year on bad science, to the neglect of good science projects.

There’s a lot of incentive to hype scientific findings but in the end nobody wins. Overselling findings can undermine the authority of scientists as well as the credibility of the sources and ultimately deceive or even endanger the public. Shutterstock

May 12, 2016

The danger of overselling science

Natalie Rens, The University of Queensland and Kelsey Perrykkad, The University of Queensland

Sometimes scientists, the media and the general public inadvertently conspire to oversell science, and that is bad for us all.

What’s the point of academics producing amazing research if they don’t share it widely with the general public? Shutterstock

March 31, 2017

Academics can change the world – if they stop talking only to their peers

Savo Heleta, Nelson Mandela University

Very few academics do a great deal to share their often important and relevant research with the general public. What’s holding them back?

Too many academic careers are shaped around writing journal articles nobody reads and planning twice-weekly lectures to a diminishing class of students. flickr/Sixth Lie

December 3, 2015

Shift away from ‘publish or perish’ puts the public back into publication

Andrew Walker, Australian National University

Prime Minister Turnbull has signalled a desire to move away from a ‘publish or perish’ academic culture toward one that prioritises public impact and engagement. It’s a challenge scholars should embrace.

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