Competitive science: Is competition ruining science?

Ferric C. Fang, Arturo Casadevall

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Science has always been a competitive undertaking. Despite recognition of the benefits of cooperation and team science, reduced availability of funding and jobs has made science more competitive than ever. Here we consider the benefits of competition in providing incentives to scientists and the adverse effects of competition on resource sharing, research integrity, and creativity. The history of science shows that transformative discoveries often occur in the absence of competition, which only emerges once fields are established and goals are defined. Measures to encourage collaboration and ameliorate competition in the scientific enterprise are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1229-1233
Number of pages5
JournalInfection and immunity
Volume83
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

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