By Raul K. Suarez
When we examine success stories in Philippine science, we see common features. For example, at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, the National Institute of Physics and the Marine Sciences Institute have both embraced the culture of proper publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. At the International Rice Research Institute, highly productive Filipinos, working alongside and publishing with international scientists, have blurred the boundaries between basic and
It is when people recognize what is wrong with certain practices and ways of thinking that institutions are able to change and make progress. However, that change is required for progress to occur is a message that is not always welcome. There are still those who believe that there should be
To suggest that the narrow views or standards of a few are being unreasonably imposed on the majority is to ignore the fact that there are accepted ways of doing science, norms that have become part of and have benefited international science for more than half a century. Many Asian countries, even ultra-nationalist ones, have learned this. Those at the IRRI, SEAFDEC, NIP and MSI have learned this. Although some may feel inclined to shoot the messenger, it would be more productive to focus on the essence of the message and on what can be learned from the success stories that exemplify the message. It is up to the next generation: they can remain stuck in old ways of thinking and repeat mistakes that have led to failure, or they can reform Philippine science as they have seen it done by their fellow Filipinos and by their Asian neighbors. The older generation faces the choice of either welcoming and facilitating change or becoming an obstacle to it.
Raul K. Suarez
Professor
Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara
California 93106-9610
U.S.A.
Telephone (805) 893-7563
FAX (805) 893-4724
Website http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/eemb/faculty/suarez/index.html
I think you missed the point.
ReplyDeleteWe don't question the value of peer-reviewed journal in the advancement of research. The message is adorable. Even we, the 'culprits', acknowledge that there must be change toward 'embracing' this system, not just by the scientific community, but even other disciplines like ours [socio-econ development].
It is not attacking the messenger, as well. The real problem is how the message is delivered. If the ‘concerned’ highly published colleague of yours will do it in a way that does not put down and alienate the ‘culprits’ --you will see that there will be gains. We do not “suggest that the narrow views or standards of a few are being unreasonably imposed on the majority”. The WAY the message is delivered is the one suggesting it.
I think that's one of the big differences between our disciplines; in science, your understanding of ‘culture’ is settled on the petri dish; we, in the socio-economic disciplines, look at ‘culture’ in a way that a sensible consideration of its context in human relations is important -and more can be accomplished if one does.
Time does not allow commenting about the issue of ‘success’. I think we also differ in understanding how it means.