Does science need heroes?

Does science need heroes or does it need to reform? Idolizing heroes can worsen bias, inequality, and competition in science. Yet, it does require good leadership to ignite structural change. This commentary for a Rijksmuseum Boerhaave symposium on prize cultures aims to address this paradox.

Sarah de Rijcke • October 11, 2023

Doing science in times of climate breakdown

Whose side are scientists on in times of climate breakdown? Science is often called upon to provide knowledge and expertise to address global challenges and accelerate towards sustainable futures. But, critical times ask for critical thinking on science for sustainability.

Renate Reitsma and Sarah de Rijcke • July 06, 2023

The focal areas of CWTS

In this post the directors of CWTS introduce the three focal areas of the centre. These focal areas were established on January 1, 2023 as part of the launch of the CWTS knowledge agenda 2023-2028.

Sarah de Rijcke, Ludo Waltman and Ed Noyons • May 09, 2023

Introducing the CWTS knowledge agenda 2023-2028

On January 1, 2023 CWTS launched its new knowledge agenda, a strategic plan for the centre for the period 2023-2028. In this post the directors of CWTS introduce the new knowledge agenda.

Sarah de Rijcke, Ludo Waltman and Ed Noyons • May 09, 2023

Seven Guiding Principles for Open Research Information

What should research organisations consider when creating and acquiring services to manage research information?

Magchiel Bijsterbosch, Alastair Dunning, Darco Jansen, Max Haring, Sarah de Rijcke and Maurice Vanderfeesten • March 16, 2022

Building knowledge infrastructure to support research assessment reforms: Dispatches from the Dutch Recognition and Rewards Festival 2022

In this blog post we reflect on knowledge infrastructures currently emerging to support organizations that are pursuing research assessment reforms, and call on sociologists of science and research evaluation researchers to study and contribute to these unfolding developments.

Alex Rushforth, Marta Sienkiewicz and Sarah de Rijcke • February 23, 2022

Responsible Research Culture: Practicing what we preach at CWTS

CWTS prepares for a new phase in its organization. In our new strategy, we aim to put our values first. A value-based strategy is the cornerstone of a well-functioning, positive research culture. Through open dialogue sessions we started to further shape this culture.

Sarah de Rijcke • July 20, 2021

Halt the h-index

Using the h-index in research evaluation? Rather not. But why not, actually? Why is using this indicator so problematic? And what are the alternatives anyway? Our authors walk you through an infographic that addresses these questions and aims to highlight some key issues in this discussion.

Sarah de Rijcke, Ludo Waltman and Thed van Leeuwen • May 19, 2021 • 2 comments

Elsevier and the Dutch Open Science goals

The VSNU, NFU, NWO and Elsevier have announced a national deal that bundles Open Access and data services. Is the deal consistent with Dutch Open Science goals, and will undesirable platform effects be avoided?

Sarah de Rijcke • May 20, 2020 • 1 comment

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