Ben Lewin on the Imperfections of Science

Write Medicine

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of scientific breakthroughs? Is the future of science at risk in the digital age? Like many fields, science is undergoing rapid changes in the digital era that could compromise integrity and innovation. As consumers of scientific knowledge, we all have a vested interest in an effective system. Join us in episode 99 as we explore the evolving world of science in the digital age, with insights from biochemist and former Cell editor, Ben Lewin.

In this episode, you'll:

1. Gain insight into flaws in the scientific publishing process involving peer review, preprints, and the "publish or perish" paradigm.
2. Understand concerns over reproducibility, questionable research practices, and the influence of money in shaping projects.
3. Learn how technology and A.I. are transforming science into a data-driven numbers game obsessed with quantity over quality.

Don't miss this illuminating discussion on the complex forces that could undermine science in the 21st century.

Transcript

Takeaways

1. Science is not a linear, seamless process. Despite the perception of scientific progress as a smooth and consistent journey, it is often messy and characterized by zigzagging developments. The public needs to understand the principles and limitations of the scientific process to demystify the black box image of science.

2. There are emerging concerns about the influence of artificial intelligence, the shift towards "big science," and the potential lack of revolutionary ideas in scientific research due to the pressure to publish safer and more reliable work. Scientists are also at risk of becoming data-generating technicians rather than pursuing innovative questions and answers.

3. Criticisms have been raised regarding the hierarchy of scientific journals, the peer review system, and the prevalence of predatory journals. Despite its flaws, the current system of scientific publishing is considered the best available option for disseminating scientific knowledge.

Resources

Lewin B. Inside Science: Revolution in Biology and its Impact. Long Island, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. 2023.

Time Stamps

• (02:47) - Introducing Ben
• (06:33) - What we should be understanding about science
• (08:20) - Inside Ben’s book, Inside Science: Revolution in Biology and Its Impact
• (10:04) - The art of presenting scientific work
• (12:15) - The pressure to publish in science
• (14:23) - His thoughts on how science should proceed in the future with publishing
• (17:51) - Ben’s view on peer review
• (19:48) - His take on the peer review process
• (22:30) - His thoughts on the preprint problems during the pandemic
• (24:16) - The path for young scientists to get published in appropriate journals
• (26:26) - The key changes in scientific conduct that Ben’s been able to trace
• (29:37) - Concerns in modern science
• (35:13) - Ben’s key takeaways from Inside Science
• (37:09) - Highlights from today’s episode

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