LTT: S. Frolov

Title:  Quantum Nanowires: A case study on reproducibility in natural sciences

Abstract: Three years ago, I and a friend found major problems in a Nature paper in my field. The paper has since been retracted, along with another Nature paper. Several more are recommended for retraction, are under expressions of concern or pending corrections. I tangled with colleagues, including close friends, university administrators, journal editors, and funding managers. I learned many lessons, mostly about how slow things go, how many things don’t work and how far is the culture and attitudes around unreliable research from where it needs to be. Perhaps the most eye-opening has been that the reproducibility crisis is in full swing in natural sciences, which traditionally consider themselves insulated due to their perceived rigor. I began formulating what changes are desired, some are very technocratic – such as total data sharing, and post-publication peer review. Some are harder, like changing the incentives, the business models and the employment habits. Still, without taking care of the scientific process itself, we cannot put much value on the science it produces.

This talk is cosponsored by the Center for Bioethics & Health Law, and by the International Love Data Week.

Center for Bioethics & Health Law: More Info Here

Love Data Week: More Info Here

Visit his webpage to learn more:

https://www.physicsandastronomy.pitt.edu/people/sergey-frolov 

Attend in person in CL 1119, and it will also be available live streamed on You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.