The case for ending evaluation

Science is governed by a system that erodes its legitimacy and efficiency, says Olof Hallonsten

Modern science is a formidable success story. By institutionalising the means of building a systematic understanding of the natural and social worlds—and from this, generating human control of both—it has led to tremendous prosperity and human emancipation. 

Nonetheless, in recent decades, questioning of the institution of science has grown among politicians, public administrators and business leaders. Does society really get enough bang for its tax bucks? Is science really efficiently run and focused on the right issues? Given the grand challenges that face humanity today, and given the vast public spending on science, shouldn’t mechanisms exist to ensure science continues deliver social and technical progress to the benefit of humanity?