Special Science Communication issue

2013-06-21
Against a background of the federal government muzzling scientists, it is the intention of Scholarly and Research Communication (SRC), to publish a collection of 30 or (many) more personal compelling narratives, hopefully including all disciplines, on the nature of science and scientific research, the necessary conditions of collaboration, consultation, and free exchange of data, conjecture and research findings that are essential to the pursuit of science. SRC invites you to submit commentary on how you see the science you do as contributing to both knowledge and society. The journal is not looking for statements that say all science must be basic science (or applied) but rather statements that underscore the nature of scientific inquiry that should inform science policy. The guest editor, Britt Hall, and SRC see this collection of personal statements as an effort to increase scientific literacy and, hence, as an indirect but powerful way to take on the issue of government censorship. At the same time, we believe that the collection could contribute measurably to the foundation of science policy decision-making.

Please be concrete and specific and address your commentary to both scientists and non-scientists, including potential scientists now in high school.

Suggested issues to address/questions to answer: (please use only as an orientation)

What were the concrete realities that inspired you to become a scientist (e.g., a mentor, a profound curiosity about the cosmos, birds, life forms)?

What have you come to understand personally as the nature of science and the essential elements of scientific research?

What picture did you have of your life as a scientist and how did that pan out? Relatedly, what are the positive elements of being a scientist?

What inspires you in your work?

How do you see the scientific work you are doing as contributing to both knowledge and society?

The above questions are not meant to be answered directly but rather to inform an eloquent personal statement that you would like to make on the benefits and management of scientific research.

INQUIRIES:

Britt Hall, Guest Editor <Britt.Hall@URegina.ca>

Rowland Lorimer, SRC Editor and Publisher <Lorimer@SFU.ca>