In this collection we explore fostering a positive research culture and scientific practices, covering topics such as reproducibility, open science, diversity and inclusion, leadership and mentorship, career instability, discrimination, misconduct and the evolving landscape of research ethics and integrity.
A knotty mess of problems affects people doing academic research in the UK. Rachel Brazil tries to untie the tangle
Five ways to make chemistry departments better places to work
The pandemic has provided valuable lessons for funders to rethink research culture
The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted long-existing issues that leaders need to take a stance on
Not enough has been done to support students during the pandemic
Afghan researchers and scholars flee or go into hiding as the Taliban’s return to power sees the science academy and universities closed
Pledge to improve understanding and monitoring of inequality comes a year after open letter was first published
The influential chemist on nurturing confidence in students and taking inspiration from the humanities
Researchers and funders are exploring ways to make large collaborative projects more successful
Taking inspiration from nerd culture
The role of background beliefs and assumptions in the development of science
Improving research culture requires effort – but it’s worth it
We have to accept that we can’t catch up on time lost in lockdown
While the pandemic has introduced more efficient and global ways of working, researchers and educators still have challenges to overcome
Researchers reported spending more time on peer-review activities, teaching and writing
Emphathy is vital to support mentees effectively
The rise of ChemRxiv might mean that chemists can tackle thornier cultural problems
Move derided as ‘hopelessly outdated’ and a setback for open science by researchers
Agency aligns itself with principles of Plan S by insisting on immediate open access
Nina Notman takes stock of how preprint severs have settled into the chemistry community
Three activities that helped me to thrive in academia and beyond
Alice Motion suggests ways scientists can take inspiration from how events like the Olympics engage with viewers
Analysis of what appears to be laboratory vessels shows elements Danish astronomer was working with
Even in this online era, some things are still best kept on paper
Two colleagues in academia and industry reflect on their career choices
Mulliken won the Nobel prize in chemistry in 1966 for developing molecular orbital theory
Algorithm turns molecules’ structure into Mondrian-inspired representations
Sarah Gerhardt’s curiosity connects her passions for science, teaching and surfing
Court throws out Feng ‘Franklin’ Tao’s final conviction under the now-defunct China Initiative, after five-year legal fight
For the 200th Classic Kit, Andrea Sella celebrates a crucial efficiency improvement for motors
Sharing results that are not commercially viable would speed up research
Practical advice builds on a new study comparing air-cooled condensers
How Leo Szilard’s concept emerged from a rich interchange of ideas across disciplinary silos
Extraction of polyethylene glycol from ship’s wood enables radiocarbon recalibration
Requirements from funders and hiring committees have a cultural influence
Are differences in attitudes and training affecting science?
It was crucial to the development of chemistry
The announcement made by India’s science and technology minister aims to foster more cross-disciplinary research
Several scientists including Stanley Whittingham have received recognition for their work
The Haitian-American neurochemist on her journey from Haiti to the US as a teenager, and her journey from chemistry to brain science
Dye favoured by royalty was produced at site 3600 years ago