The picture of the truth-seeking scientists sitting alone in their ivory towers is often used negatively. Instead, science is supposed to drive society forward, to create impact, provide solutions, and to be the basis of growth and prosperity. I argue that this expectation is detrimental for science and society. It creates a toxic scientific system with too many incentives to break the rules, and it hinders society to face its most important challenges. Seeking the truth and nothing but the truth is enough of a societal responsibility for science. At the end, some practical suggestions how to conquer back the ivory tower are given.
Philipp Strasberg
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