Editorials in 2013

Europe’s mega-project to simulate the human brain has much to offer neuroscience research — whether or not it delivers on its central promise.

Governments need to strengthen support for scientists who preserve our cultural heritage.

Online discussion is an essential aspect of the post-publication review of findings.

Proposals to bring hydrofluorocarbons under the auspices of the Montreal Protocol provide a simple test of the international community’s commitment to tackling climate change.

A half-century of Doctor Who has shown the dramatic possibilities of science in the arts.

Chemists present a way to infer the enigmatic temperature variations inside a reactor.

The next president of the European Research Council will face the dual challenge of preserving the agency’s reputation for excellence while trying to address funding inequalities.

Sexual harassment is a stain on science — and we must all take a stand against it.

A look into the past frames our attempts to find extraterrestrial intelligence.

Care must be taken not to raise unrealistic expectations for RTS,S malaria vaccine.

In deciding how to judge the impact of research, evaluators must take into account the effects of emphasizing particular measures — and be open about their methods.

The US shutdown is damaging science, and Congress must be called to account.

The protracted battle to find cures for psychiatric illnesses is changing course, but prejudice and stigma against those with poor mental health remain a problem.

Behavioural geneticists must tread carefully to prevent their research being misinterpreted.

The idea of standardizing science and removing barriers to research mobility across Europe is simple, but putting it into practice has proved more challenging.

Research on chickens is legitimate — but scientists and funders must learn to justify it.

As more and more of its ocean-sciences budget is eaten up by operational and maintenance costs, the US National Science Foundation should learn to take a long view when investing in major projects.

A dispute over the skull of an Italian cheese thief highlights the enduring debate over repatriation.

Angela Merkel needs to tackle the issue of Germany’s uneven university funding.