1998 Articles

"Hard days on the endless frontier" revisited

Rucker, R.

The document titled "Hard Days on the Endless Frontier Revisited" contains a series of letters responding to Robert Pollack's earlier essay, "Hard Days on the Endless Frontier," which explored the challenges and declining morale within the scientific community, particularly in the biomedical sciences. The responses from various scholars and scientists expand on Pollack's concerns, highlighting additional factors contributing to low morale, such as information overload, the increasing corporatization of academic administration, and the pressures of modern research demands. The contributors discuss the effects of these changes on scientific practice, emphasizing the need for better mentorship, the importance of maintaining personal integrity, and the potential benefits of scientific mediation. Pollack's replies to these letters further underscore his argument that the withdrawal from personal responsibility and the isolation of scientific practice from its administrative management are central issues that must be addressed to improve the state of science. The dialogue reflects a shared concern for the future of scientific research and the need for systemic changes to support the well-being and productivity of scientists.