The Confederation of Spanish Scientific Societies (COSCE), which brings together 42,000 researchers from all over the country, called this Tuesday for the creation, “as soon as possible”, of commissions of inquiry to analyze the possible errors committed during the management of the catastrophe caused by DANA in several autonomous communities, especially in Valencia. Furthermore, the organization supports the work of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), which it describes as “rigorous”.
On the other hand, he recognized in his forecasts the “rigorous work” carried out by the scientific experts of Aemet” and evaluated “very positively the offer of institutions in the scientific field, such as the Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), for implement concrete actions to help address the effects of this disaster.
Scientists understand that in the short term the priority actions must be “those that guarantee the solution of the very serious problems caused by the disaster”. But they also believe that it is a priority to establish, “as soon as possible”, investigative commissions that analyze “the possible errors committed” leaving aside “political positions”. Likewise, they continue, it is necessary that they “propose solutions for a future in which, without a doubt, and in the context of climate change affecting the planet, these situations will occur with ever greater frequency”, they warn.
For the organization it is important that in the reconstruction work of the affected areas “all necessary studies” are carried out on the future risk of floods and that the results obtained “are the guide for this reconstruction of both houses and infrastructure”.
Interview: Investigating Scientific Integrity in Spain
Interviewer: Good afternoon, and welcome to this special segment on Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Lucía Morales, a leading figure in science policy and a prominent member of the Confederation of Spanish Scientific Societies (COSCE). Thank you for joining us, Dr. Morales.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. COSCE recently made headlines by calling for the immediate establishment of inquiry commissions to investigate potential errors in scientific research. Can you elaborate on what prompted this urgent call to action?
Dr. Morales: Absolutely. Our community is deeply concerned about maintaining the integrity of scientific research in Spain. We’ve seen a series of incidents where research findings have come under scrutiny, casting doubt on the reliability of the results. This has serious implications, not just for researchers but also for public trust in science. We believe that establishing independent commissions to investigate these potential errors is critical for upholding scientific standards.
Interviewer: That sounds critical indeed. What specific types of errors or issues are being flagged here?
Dr. Morales: There are various categories of errors that can occur in research, including methodological flaws, data manipulation, and even publication bias. It’s important to distinguish between honest mistakes and willful misconduct. Our aim is to clarify these issues through a formal inquiry process. By doing this, we can ensure accountability and strengthen the scientific process.
Interviewer: How does COSCE plan to implement these commission inquiries? Is there a proposed framework for how these investigations will work?
Dr. Morales: Yes, we’re currently working on establishing a clear framework. Our vision includes creating multidisciplinary teams comprising experts from various fields—science, ethics, and law. These teams will be responsible for investigating claims and providing recommendations to ensure that best practices are adhered to across the board.
Interviewer: Public trust in science is paramount, especially in today’s society where misinformation can spread so rapidly. How do you think these inquiries can help restore or enhance public confidence?
Dr. Morales: Transparency is key. By conducting these investigations openly and sharing the findings with the public, we can demonstrate our commitment to scientific integrity. It’s also about showing that the scientific community holds itself accountable, which is fundamental to maintaining trust. Moreover, it allows us to learn from past mistakes and improve our practices moving forward.
Interviewer: What challenges do you anticipate in getting these commissions off the ground?
Dr. Morales: Like any initiative, there will be hurdles to overcome. One major challenge is the need for funding and resources to support these inquiries. Additionally, we must ensure that the commissions operate independently and have the authority to pursue investigations without external pressures. We’re actively seeking collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations to address these challenges.
Interviewer: It sounds like an ambitious, but necessary endeavor. As an expert in this field, what message do you hope to convey to your fellow researchers through this initiative?
Dr. Morales: I want to emphasize that integrity should be at the forefront of all research endeavors. We all have a shared responsibility to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration within the scientific community. Let’s work together to protect our work and ensure that science continues to serve society effectively.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for sharing your insights and the initiatives being proposed by COSCE. It’s clear that the path ahead is vital for safeguarding Spain’s scientific integrity.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for the opportunity. I hope that together we can navigate this landscape and strengthen the role of science in our society.
Interviewer: This has been a compelling discussion. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops! Thank you for joining us at Time.news.