Contaminated science

The experience of the last seven years and the events of the past year make me think a lot about what is going on in science. On my own skin I have felt that science is transforming into something else, and this new form is dangerous both for scientists and for the society as a whole.

Science is the society's tool that makes life of its members safer, easier, longer and more interesting. Unlike other social institutes (military, courts, police) science evolved without strict control. The lack of public control makes science an attractive place for parasites: people, who exploit resources for personal benefits and often inhibit real scientific output.

To survive science must return the society’s investments by providing various benefits for the society. Public in EU, particularly, in Sweden, invests a lot of money into science. With these big resources the return should be enormous. Does public feel the adequate payoff? If not, where does the money go?

It is also vitally important for scientists, that our environment stays clean from contamination and parasites. A true scientist and a parasite cannot survive in the same lab. A scientist would transform into a parasite himself or would be eaten. If a scientist is forced to retreat from a contaminated place, it is his duty to mark it properly, so his colleagues can be aware of a danger. So, I will share my experience with scientists who think about working in Sweden.