The Secret Life of Science: How It Really Works and Why It Matters - Tapa dura

Acerca del autor

Jeremy J. Baumberg is professor of nanotechnology and photonics in the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. He is the coauthor of Microcavities, and his work has been featured in such publications as Nature, New Scientist, and Wired. He lives in Cambridge, England.

De la contraportada

"A uniquely original analysis of how the global scientific research ecosystem works. Baumberg divides researchers into simplifiers' and constructors' rather than the traditional pure' and applied' labels, and supports his findings with much fascinating data on emerging trends in the global science enterprise. He accurately describes how the publish-or-perish climate of research is just one of the many competitive challenges facing academic scientists on the long road to tenure."--Tony Hey, Chief Data Scientist, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council

"In this remarkable and acute analysis of contemporary scientific life, a leading scientist offers rare and important insights into how competition and ambition govern the system of knowledge and practice on which the sciences depend. This book offers useful and provocative surprises both for scientists and the broader communities who depend on and deserve to be informed about how scientists work."--Simon Schaffer, University of Cambridge

"None of this is news to those of us living within the ecosystem, but it is high time that an insider brings the dysfunctional and diseased aspects of Big Science to the attention of the educated public. Were science a country, its Gini coefficient would be among the worst in the world. Admirably, Baumberg maintains a calm and balanced voice throughout. A refreshing and important read for scientists and policymakers alike."--A. Zee, author of On Gravity: A Brief Tour of a Weighty Subject

"Baumberg does an excellent job of commenting on all aspects of the scientific enterprise. I know of no other book like this one."--Chris Impey, University of Arizona

"This book fills a real gap for those interested in science behind the headlines. Its main argument--that science is a complex business with many different drivers, motivators, and constraints--is well put forth, in a personal style that makes this book an attractive read."--Stefan Maier, Imperial College London