Research into research started
An investigation into how the results of research should be communicated has been launched this week by the Royal Society.
The reason behind the investigation is criticisms of the process of peer
review, which scientists almost exclusively rely on to check the quality
of their research before it is made public. The vice-president of the
Royal Society, Professor Sir Patrick Bateson, commented: “It is
evident that peer review is not perfect, and some scientific papers were
approved by referees and published in leading journals but later shown
to have been based on false or poorly interpreted results.” He
added: “At the same time, researchers can still attract publicity
for highly questionable results even when they offer no evidence that
their research has been checked.”
The investigation will examine the process of peer review, how it might
be improved and whether there are any suitable alternatives to it.
Scottish research The Scottish Executive has published a new
strategy to give patients greater say in health research funding.
Steering groups comprising patients, clinicians and researchers
will be set up to identify areas where money needs to be spent.
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