World View

Quantitative indicators of research output can inform decisions but must be supported by robust analysis, argues James Wilsdon.

Mechanisms to help researchers to balance work and home lives have made a positive difference to the gender balance at my institute, says Douglas Hilton.

Sexist comments made by my former boss Tim Hunt are not an indication that he is biased against women, argues Alessia Errico.

The ‘post-normal science’ framework would make regulatory decisions about research in humans more effective, says Frederick Grinnell.

To realize the full potential of large data sets, researchers must agree on better ways to pass data around, says Martin Bobrow.

The public image of chemistry is not as negative as some assume — but many people find it hard to connect the field to the real world, says Chiara Ceci.

Insects are an excellent source of sustainable protein, but people will only be persuaded to eat them if they seem appealing, says Ophelia Deroy.

Precision medicine cannot advance without full disclosure of how commercial genome sequencing and interpretation software works, says Mauno Vihinen.

The use of genome-modification tools in wild species must be properly governed to avoid irreversible damage to ecosystems, says Jeantine Lunshof.

Losing legislation that has animal welfare at its core would not just jeopardize science, it is also likely to lead to a drop in standards, argues Kay Davies.

It is getting harder for scientists in China to obtain the high-quality public data that they need for important research studies, says Zheng Wan.

Encouraging students to challenge ideas is crucial to fostering a generation of Muslim scientists who are free thinkers, says Rana Dajani.

Alan Rusbridger wants researchers to help convince powerful philanthropic organizations to set an example and stop propelling carbon emissions.

To judge the safety of flying during an eruption, the airline industry cannot just rely on advances in volcanic monitoring and prediction, says Matthew Watson.

The 'war on cancer' has run off course. Efforts must refocus on the best interests of patients, says Colin Macilwain.

The common fear is that intelligent machines will turn against humans. But who will save the robots from each other, and from us, asks Hutan Ashrafian.

Ebola vaccines have little in the way of commercial markets, so the risks should be shared between governments and industry, says Seth Berkley.

Scientists everywhere must champion a set of US education standards that promote Earth sciences, argues Nicole D. LaDue.

The country’s shifting stance on genetic modification for crops needs the support of researchers to persuade a sceptical public, says Qiang Wang.

For science to realize its potential in the Muslim world, attitudes need to change at a societal level, not just an individual one, says Dyna Rochmyaningsih.