When scientists face critique of their published work, they should be proactive in responding to the issues and to questions about it from the public and the media, says Science editor-in-chief Holden Thorp in an editorial in the Feb. 14 Science.
“In an age of growing, intense attacks on science, silence can be detrimental to both public trust and the careers of scientists who are under scrutiny,” writes Thorp and coauthor Meagan Phelan, communications director for Science. “For better or worse, journalists, social media professionals, and the public may take a response of ‘no comment’ as a concession that the critics are correct, so forthright communication about research questions is more urgent than ever.”
The editorial goes on to advise researchers to discuss any integrity inquiries with their institution, but to make their own decisions when it comes to discussing the issues openly with the media. In an accompanying blog post, Thorp and Phelan give tips on steps to take when questions arise about the integrity of a published paper, including pointers on how to prepare for a conversation with reporters. (In the interest of transparency: Retraction Watch cofounder Ivan Oransky provided Phelan feedback on the tips at her request.)
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