Actions Proposed

Topic: Errors in Science
5/29/2015
NIH has a vested interest in publishing the research conducted using its funds even if it validates or refutes (negative result) previous findings. NIH should invest in creating a centralized (online) publishing outlet (free for NIH funded research/researchers) that accepts individual experiments, negative results and validation results with a post-publication review model. Such a model has already been tried in the field of Physics and is enormously successful in cutting down the publication costs…

Topic: Effects of Hypercompetition
5/29/2015
It would be wiser to not focus too much on solving the harmful effects of hyper-competition but rather highly focus on solving the hyper-competition itself. Tackling the hyper-competition will automatically alleviate all the harmful effects that arise from hyper-competition.

Topic: Other Topics
5/27/2015
I think the ideas articulated by the “gang of four” are good as far as they go, but:
Biomedical research has come up with some fantastic results based mainly on high technology. But that is one – dimensional. It tends to lead to the results that we are observing. Young scientists, especially those at have – not institutions (see above) are not usually able to avail themselves of the expensive high – tech gadgets necessary for such projects.

Topic: Postdoctoral Training
5/22/2015
The vast majority of incoming faculty have no background in management and receive no formal mentorship training. I propose a mandatory, structured 5-day training upon new faculty hiring, and another session after earning tenure.

Topic: Postdoctoral Training
5/22/2015
We propose that postdocs have access to structured career development and exploration tools, currently available to graduate students at many institutions. Postdocs (and the ir mentors) should be prepared for more than one career outcome. Making myIDP, my Individual Development Plan, an official requirement for postdocs would facilitate this goal.