A Few Words About Us

Many of our Fellows have decades of experience in these communities. We have come together in recognition of the need to reintroduce the notion of always asking questions to the practice of science. In the specialized, rush to publish, get funded or perish world of science in the 21st century, all too often initial findings are presented as if they are profound truths. The researchers involved are too busy seeking money and publications to ask the fundamental questions regarding assumptions, constraints, affordances that might reveal a more promising pathway or an unrecognized limitation.

We are witnessing the proliferation of “sloppy science” – research that cuts corners, overlooks errors, or presents premature conclusions as definitive facts. Sloppy science encompasses a spectrum spanning from unconscious cognitive biases to deliberate unethical actions by researchers. It also includes the enabling behaviors of reviewers, editors, universities, funders, industry sponsors, media commentators, and policy actors that allow substandard research to propagate through the scientific system.

Recent years have seen an alarming rise in retractions and corrections in top journals due to manipulated data, deliberate fraud, and questionable research practices. This erosion of trust in science has far-reaching implications for the reliability of published findings, the stewardship of research funds, and public faith in the scientific enterprise. Sloppy science risks misleading the public, distorting academic discourse, wasting scarce resources, and undermining evidence-based policy-making. Its tolerance reflects systemic issues in modern science's institutions and incentive structures.

Refective practice, increased curation, and a return to asking questions are necessary steps to combat sloppy science's pervasive influence.

This perspective lies behind our work.