COS to Host Online Global Symposium Highlighting Critical Perspectives on the Metascience Reform Movement

Join the Center for Open Science (COS) on March 7, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm EST, as we embark on a journey into the intricate world of the metascience reform movement. Metascience, defined as the scientific scrutiny of science for improvement, has sparked a reform movement. While the quest to enhance scientific practices is commendable, it has faced critique on diverse fronts. The Symposium: Critical Perspectives on the Metascience Reform Movement serves as a dynamic platform to delve into critical perspectives on this movement.

The event is co-sponsored by Aarhus University, the Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy; RWTH Aachen University, Käte Hamburger Kolleg; Manchester Metropolitan University; TIER2; University of Exeter; University of Groningen; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Medical History and Bioethics; and University of Idaho, College of Business and Economics.

Distinguished speakers will present their insights during 20-minute sessions, leading into a stimulating panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session. For additional information, including the program schedule and free registration, please visit the Symposium’s webpage.

The program features a global diverse lineup of experts addressing critical topics in scientific research and reform. Tim Errington, COS’s Senior Director of Research at COS, and Sven Ulpts, PhD Fellow at Aarhus University, will kick off the event with opening remarks. Bart Penders from RWTH Aachen University will delve into the evolving landscape of scientific collaboration and knowledge-making processes, exploring new approaches that integrate trust and distrust into these collaborations.

Following this, Thomas Hostler from Manchester Metropolitan University will shed light on the often overlooked practical challenges researchers face in engaging with open research practices, discussing the invisible workload associated with such endeavors. Stephan Guttinger from the University of Exeter will challenge the perception of replication, arguing that its role is not just backward-looking but crucial for building trust in novel data. Sarahanne Field from the University of Groningen will present her ethnographic research on the complex landscape of the science reform movement, highlighting the existence of diverse communities of practice within the broader movement.

Nicole C. Nelson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will explore the changing dynamics of scientific research units, questioning whether the metascience movement might be contributing to the decline of scientific individualism. Finally, Berna Devezer from the University of Idaho will discuss the need for a meta-makeover in the scientific community, advocating for a shift away from dogmatic interpretations of reforms and a renewed focus on evidence-based solutions for meaningful progress.