Advocating a radical change in policies and new models to secure freedom and efficiency in funding and communication of science

Threats and obstructions to scientific freedom, fairness and efficiency are commonly perceived as surrounding the scientific world. However, bottlenecks can also occur from within the system itself as some of the current regulations and forces shaping research (referred to here as ‘science policies’) substantially decrease the freedom and motivation of scientists. Indeed, inadequate policies can restrict the ability to perform research, the breadth of the fields of study, the methods of carrying out investigations and the dissemination of findings. Conversely, virtuous policies can have a positive impact on the freedom, quality of work and satisfaction of individual scientists. Importantly, from the societal perspective, the more scientists work freely, broadly and with motivation, the more they produce knowledge, data and innovation for the benefit of society, collectively ameliorating the scientific research system. Unfortunately, ‘science of science’ is in its infancy. There has never been awareness of the importance of policies nor consistent interest in studying them, and specialised journals and articles are very few for several possible reasons. First, many researchers do not perceive the importance of policies for the functioning of science or may simply dislike ‘science of science’ studies and prefer to focus on their discipline. Second, many feel that their individual contribution would not be sufficient to affect the system and see no purpose in sacrificing their time and energy, as in the so-called ‘paradox of voting’ (Downs 1957: 25). Third, or a consequence of all the above, with few academic positions and funding opportunities, the field is at the moment not profitable with regard to career returns. Nonetheless in order to promote research and discussion on policies with a view to improving them, it is of great importance that science policy experts reach out to the rest of the scientific community. It is key to spread awareness of the many possible changes (however small or big) that can affect the freedom, fairness and efficiency of scientific work. Moreover, it