Most of us are quietly aware that scientific publications from learned bodies ensure that articles do not ruffle their corporate feathers. One contributor to Science and Public Affairs (SPA), published by the BA, recently told me she was told "to make her article sympathetic [to the BA] as I would hate it if we had to invoke "editorial control."
Tom Wakeford spills the beans about censorship of one of his articles to SPA in today’s Times Higher Education Supplement (page 16). A few quotes for those that do not receive the Higher:
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For the scientific academy the Royal Society, this has truly been an annus horribilis. After decades of almost sleepy acquiescence with science, journalists are seeking out the instances of cronyism, censorship, spin-doctoring … When I penned a round-up of the year’s tortuous events for my regular column [in SPA], it was vetoed … Though the magazine is officially independent — published by the [BA] — some of its funding comes form the Royal Society.
Alun Roberts, editor of the journal, admitted that he had withdrawn my column because fellows of the Royal Society “wouldn’t like it.”
[The article continues with an argument about the Royal Society and GM food.]
Our competitiveness could be eroded increasingly if we are increasingly seen as the home of uncompromised science ... The government should … also launch a review of the functioning and accountability of the Royal Society. If it does not, Sir Robert May should institute an inquiry when (and if) he becomes president in November …
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Does not this censorship undermine the credibility of British science and of Royal Society and the British Association in particular? I am most concerned about the British Association. It seems it’s desperate need for funds has made it a poodle of the establishment spin-doctors.
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