Battleangel

One thing in particular caught my interest this morning. A report to the Swedish Counsel of Science that concluded research (focus on medical research) being performed in Sweden today has lost all hope of being free and impartial. This is due to the fact that government subsidizing is no longer enough to keep the wheels in motion. And when resources are scarce, researchers have to turn to the only source they know - namely business and private interests.
While this might seem like a fairly obvious observation and something that I have been raving on about for some time now, the situation is now critical according to the report.

Some might even question if it is something to be concerned about. And if it is indeed not to late to put a stop to? And can’t one trust the good judgement of those involved to play it fair and not get lost in a much too narrow perspective.

Exploitation has become the new way of scientific research it seems. Developing marketable items has outgrown the need for serving the greater good and satisfying curiosity. Applied science these days is merely an excuse to profit. And often it is not even the people doing the research who profit but rather 3rd parties.

While it sounds a bit like socialist propaganda I have to agree on this one. Private interests have no place meddling with academic interests. It is a “divine” sphere that should be left unsoiled by profiteers. Donations are welcome as they have been for as long as recorded academic history go back but with no strings attached. The best thing you should hope to get for your money is a memorial tablet or a building named after you. Buying the right to tamper with scientific roadmaps, no matter how good your intentions may be, is not to be accepted.

Source: “Svensk forskning är inte fri” (In Swedish)
I never can seem to find a proper link in the english language, so you’re gonna have to take my word for the validity of the discussion and the semi-translation.