The problem with science: Scientists?

Consider this:

The problems with research data reporting and replicability have been known for years. In 2005, Stanford Professor John Ioannidis, among the most highly cited scientists, published one of the most highly cited articles (over 1,600), Why Most Published Research Findings are False. In the study, Ioannidis used mathematical simulations to show “that for most study designs and settings, it is more likely for a research claim to be false than true. Moreover, for many current scientific fields, claimed research findings may often be simply accurate measures of the prevailing bias.” Ioannidis also offered six corollaries derived from his conclusions:

The smaller the studies conducted in a scientific field, the less likely the research findings are to be true.

The smaller the effect sizes in a scientific field, the less likely the research findings are to be true.

The greater the number and the lesser the selection of tested relationships in a scientific field, the less likely the research findings are to be true.

The greater the flexibility in designs, definitions, outcomes, and analytical modes in a scientific field, the less likely the research findings are to be true.

The greater the financial and other interests and prejudices in a scientific field, the less likely the research findings are to be true.

The hotter a scientific field (with more scientific teams involved), the less likely the research findings are to be true.

Does this mean we need to re-look at the entire premise of immunotherapy or “targeted therapies?” (as an aside). Who gains from the administration? Overall survival or the pharma companies?

The problem with science is not the scientist alone. The problem is the misaligned incentives (and shortsightedness of the funding agencies) who refuse to take the long-term view of science (and associated failures).

Brilliant blog. It is a long form. Please read it and understand the context.