| Title | Towards a science organized around research programmes |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Krist Vaesen (author) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0507.06 |
| Landing page | https://www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.11647/obp.0507/chapters/10.11647/obp.0507.06 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Krist Vaesen |
| Publisher | Open Book Publishers |
| Published on | 2026-02-06 |
| Long abstract | The final chapter outlines practical steps toward program-based science. Instead of rewarding fragmented projects, funders should support research programs built around community-shared priorities. Journals might adopt program-level formats and program-level registered reports, and universities could adjust evaluation systems to recognize collaborative work and contributions to collective goals. Educational reforms would complement these changes by preparing researchers for collaborative and participatory environments. Such reforms cannot be imposed wholesale. Progress will require trial and error: funders, journals, universities, and researchers must test models, evaluate impact, and refine based on evidence—while guarding against unintended consequences like bureaucracy, mega-mistakes, and political interference. Progress also demands persistence and patience. Yet Open Science proves that, with coordinated and sustained effort, reform is achievable within a decade. |
| Page range | pp. 123–146 |
| Print length | 24 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
Krist Vaesen is an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Innovation at Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands) and serves as director and co‑founder of META/e—the Eindhoven Meta‑science Center. This interdisciplinary center focuses on the scientific study of science itself, with expertise in areas such as Open Science, reproducibility, team science, and the role of AI in research. 'Neomania' owes much to the many insightful conversations with members of META/e.