Honest science

There is of course a great deal of discussion – both on and off campus – over the fraudulent use of data. People are surprised, shocked and angry. And so they should be. I have the same feelings. However, this is not the time to explore the minutiae of this particular case. Besides, I have already said quite openly everything that needs to be said on this matter.

What I would like to talk about here is what I have heard and read about the background to this case, and the pressure to perform in science. Are we perhaps demanding too much from our scientists? Certainly, there is pressure to perform in the Academy. There are all kinds of research rankings. Teaching is evaluated. We are ranked in terms of our media coverage. We want our people to secure grants from national and international organizations. All of this is certainly true.

But we must not confuse the means with the end. The Academy does not come down to indicators and rankings. On the contrary, the essence of the Academy is sound knowledge, insight, practical wisdom and the ability to inspire people in the name of shared ideals.
Most of all, it is about honest science. For after all, it is science that will outlive all of us.