Can science shape its own future? - International Science Council

The article is not all bad, but I dislike how the word “science” is misused.

Science play a central role in assisting the global public good, societal wellbeing and planetary health.

It play?

Science itself is changing.

No, it isn’t. Science is still the process of using senses and tools to measure, experiment, measure again, and report. If you mean the way we perform science is changing, say that.

Should scientists alone determine funding priorities? Should peer review be extended to include the end-user? Scientists generally resist that broader engagement, but it risks science being accused of being insensitive to realities and need.

Science relies on evidence to reach conclusions. Who is “accusing” science of anything? It is a process, not a person.

Science is not the only knowledge system that people or societies use.

Science is not a knowledge system at all. It is a process we use to acquire and refine knowledge.

Patrons of science, be them governments or foundations, have a right to determine general priorities or areas of focus.

Mmm, yummy yummy boots. Fuck this shit.