Projects: Aging and Cognition CaMKII and learning Cognitive enhancements Cortical memories Enhancing plasticity and recovery Learning disabilities Memory allocation Novel memory genes Schizophrenia Science of Science        picture by Stan Geier	background picture by Stan Geier Science of Science Science has very few systematically tested principles of how to best focus its efforts. Systematic investigation and testing of general principles of scientific practice is central to our science of science (S2) project  The key goals of S2 are understanding and improving the modus operandi of science.
The vast majority of the 18 million articles listed in Pubmed have hardly been sited. Can this be the fate of your next paper? What are the principles we use to plan the next experiment? Have any of these principles been systematically tested? Is there anything we can do to understand why some papers have an impact and others do not?
The ultimate goal of S2 S2 is concerned with the development of pragmatic, validated general principles for increasing the efficiency of science, just as the ultimate goal in medical research is the understanding and systematic development of pragmatic practices that improve prevention and the efficiency of treatments.  S2 will be key for the education of young scientists, for developing objective criteria for reviews of grants, manuscripts, careers, etc. It is important to note that creativity will always be first and foremost in science; we hope that the clarity and objectivity that S2 will bring will help to further creativity's reach. S2 vs. philosophy of science Although both are concerned with ideas about the structure of science, S2 is focused on the systematic testing of these ideas, just as medicine is interested in the systematic testing of ideas about the treatment of disease. By contrast, the philosophy of science has traditionally been based on individual insights, opinions and ideas whose validation does not depend on either systematic testing or the general acceptance of other practitioners (i.e., philosophers).
Key reference We have recently published a paper that summarizes our vision for S2, including a description of our Convergent Four hypothesis (PDF) This project has been a collaboration with Anthony Landreth and  John Bickle
Projects   ·   Approaches   ·   Publications   ·   Lab Members   ·   Alcino J. Silva   ·   Awards   ·   Lab Pictures   ·   Open Positions   ·   aboutus   ·   Contact us