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The second project involves a qualitative social science study of scientific correction practices, in particularly in nanobiology. Studies show that correction of the scientific literature is relatively rare: most erroneous work is simply abandoned, ignored or superseded by other research. Nevertheless, there is also a strong movement in science arguing for more extensive correction in the literature, advocating systematic scans and cross-checks against databases, or more wide-spread use of replication studies or meta-analysis to verify facts and check errors. The project analyses the dynamics of error correction: the social and discursive strategies involved in error correction attempts, as well as in the responses they provoke (e.g. by the scientists or journals that get corrected). The project also encompasses a participative study of replication work undertaken in our own programme investigating crucial but highly debated claims in nanobiology. The objective of the project is to contribute to improved correction practices in research.
Fixed-term contract: 2 years.
As a postdoc researcher, you will be part of the Institute for Science in Society at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). ISiS is an interdisciplinary research institute within the Faculty of Science, with the aim to encourage the societal and philosophical reflection on science through dialogue and collaboration between the various research institutes of the faculty. Its mission is to analyse, assess and improve the societal embedding of new developments in science and technology, through research, education and outreach; and to understand how society is shaping science and vice versa. You will also be part of the NanoBubbles team, with affiliated research groups in Paris, Grenoble, Toulouse, and Maastricht.
The projects are part of the ERC Synergy programme NanoBubbles, which studies how, when and why science fails to correct itself, concentrating on the field of nanobiology. Project members combine approaches from the natural sciences, computer science, and the social sciences and humanities (Science and Technology Studies) to understand how error correction in science works and what obstacles it faces. For this purpose, we aim to trace claims and corrections through various channels of scientific communication (journals, social media, advertisements, conference programmes, etc.) using both qualitative and digital methods. The programme also aims to intervene in the nanobiology debate, among other things, by investigating its central assumptions through experimental replication.
Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!
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