Policy relevance and the ethical conduct of science
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Policy relevance and the ethical conduct of science Sheryl L. Hendriks1 Received: 24 February 2020 / Accepted: 14 September 2020 © Akadémiai Kiadó Zrt. 2020
Abstract Scientific enquiry and the communication of science are essential to achieving development goals. The demand for evidencebased policy poses a challenge to maintaining the ethical conduct of science. The modern scientist faces intense competition in light of the changing nature of collaborative efforts, the quickening pace and increasing complexity of research endeavours and a growing emphasis on commercialisation of research results. Academic performance criteria continually change, becoming more demanding and increasing complex to measure. The integrity of the scientific community is challenged by cases of falsification, fabrication and plagiarism. The mass production of science outputs, evidenced by the incredible rise of predatory journals, poses risks for the veracity of science. Yet, scientists are not the only ones driven by performance targets. Under the constant scrutiny of governing boards, research and development funders—both public and private—are increasingly pressed to demonstrate outputs, outcomes and impact. There is an urgent need for independent research but also a need for consensus with regard to policy guidance. Consensus studies expect scientists to make sense of the available science and find a way of presenting the controversies, contradictions and convergence of evidence to guide policy decisions. Policy consensus dialogues can valorise science guidance. These practices adopt multidisciplinary approaches, bringing top-rated scientists from a variety of disciplines around the table to contribute best practice examples, share experiences and lessons learnt against the background of solid critique of existing research. Keywords Consensus sceince · Transdisciplinary research · Ethical conduct · Morals
Scientific enquiry and the communication of science are essential to achieving universal goals Scientific enquiry and the communication of science are essential to achieving universal goals related to development. In an era where evidence-based policy planning and decision making is in vogue, we are called to contribute to a better and more sustainable future for all. Throughout the ages, such developments have embraced science, its independent discoveries and advice, trusting the integrity of scientists (National Academy of Science 1992). However, in today’s world of fake news, polarised and vocal public voices and significantly improved public access to a Keynote Address: World Science Forum, Budapest, 22nd November 2019. * Sheryl L. Hendriks [email protected] 1
Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
diversity of information sources, the integrity of science is challenged and often mistrusted. The publication of scandals in science compounds this. These bring into question the ethics of science and of the scientist themselve
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