Is Academic Science Dying?
The research peer review system needs to be rethought.
Upon receiving an email stating that I had been named a Top Scholar, meaning that my academic work had placed me in the top 0.5% of all scholars worldwide, I should have been delighted. However, I wasn’t. I felt that the recognition meant nothing.
This is because the ranking incentivizes me to continue writing about the same topics, updating my existing research papers, and getting them published in A-rated research journals, which I am familiar with.
Unfortunately, this approach would not help me contribute much to society. My dream has always been to continue experimenting, researching, evolving, and discovering new things.
But, the academic community’s strong faith in the peer review system should not hold me back.
The Only Way is Up
When I received an offer for a Ph.D. position in 1998, I eagerly accepted without hesitation. The opportunity to delve into research, contribute to scientific advancements, and positively impact the world was a dream for me.
The year 2001 marked a significant milestone in my career as I saw my first academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals. The recognition from my colleagues and peers reaffirmed the…
