A question of style: method, integrity and the meaning of proper science.
Controversies in science often centre on methodology and integrity; these are the gatekeepers of proper science. But what exactly defines proper science as proper is not universal, especially in collaborative fields of enquiry where different perspectives meet. These encounters often result in friction, yet may equally give rise to new perspectives on proper science. A tour of collaborative endeavours like structural biology and nutrigenomics highlights some of those frictions and the controversies that can result from the encounter of 'wet' and 'dry' science. Attuning scientists to the plurality of proper science may safeguard many a scientist's integrity from being questioned unjustly.
Penders
Bart
B
Department of Health, Ethics & Society, School for Primary Care and Public Health (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, NL-6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. b.penders@hes.unimaas.nl
Vos
Rein
R
Horstman
Klasien
K
D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D032984:Ethics, Research; D054647:Nutrigenomics; D010684:Philosophy; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards*; D012586:Science; D015871:Scientific Misconduct