Make a Stand(ard) for Science

Abstract

During the global Corona pandemic, the validity of science has been challenged by sections of the public, often for political gains. Here, science and scientists have become associated with relativity and unreliability, and in extreme cases, with false data and acting as accomplices in wider conspiracies. Is science really relative and therefore subject to opinion? Is there alternative science similar to alternative political parties, from which one may pick and choose or upon which one might vote by majority? Can anyone claim to do science? Or is the science of the day a form of art for the few, an exclusive club of trained experts, producing accurate and precise data which leaves no room for possible heretics? These questions address the basics of our understanding of modern science and the answers are likely to shape the science itself as well as its public perception in the 21st century. Interestingly, the answers are not found in the laboratory, as these are philosophical questions best reflected upon from an epistemological perspective, i.e., questions directly linked to scientific knowledge and method. Briefly dwelling on the latter is the general theme of this editorial. We would also like to take this chance to spread the word that Sci is now indexed in Scopus and ready to launch the “what’s it about?” initiative, in which authors provide a concise summary of their contributions rendered towards non-specialists and the more general public. As a proof of concept, we present to you the summaries of the valuable contributions to the Special Issue “Feature Papers 2021 Editors Collection” directly from the authors.