The way science is done has changed radically in recent years. Scientific research and institutions, which have long been characterized by passion, dedication and reliability, have increasingly less capacity for more ethical pursuits, and are pressed by hard market laws. From the vocation of a few, science has become the profession of many — possibly too many. These trends come with consequences and risks, such as the rise in fraud, plagiarism, and in particular the sheer volume of scientific publications, often of little relevance. We will critically review and assess the present-day policies and behaviors in scientific production and publication. We will touch on the tumultuous growth of scientific journals, in parallel with the growth of scientists over the world. We will investigate the loopholes and hoaxes of predatory journals and congresses, and discuss problems connected to the incorrect use of bibliometric indices, which have resulted in distortions of scientific life. We will also consider the opportunities and challenges introduced by artificial intelligence in scientific publishing. Ultimately, addressing these issues requires a return to the ethical principles articulated by Robert Merton more than half a century ago, principles that remain essential for preserving the integrity of science and reaffirming the role of the responsible scientist.

Reference

G. Pacchioni, The Overproduction of truth, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2018