New research by ESMT Berlin and Politecnico di Milano explores how non-experts assess scientific research proposals and reveals key implications for public participation in science funding. The study shows that while citizens value both social impact and scientific merit, their judgments can be shaped by personal interests, income, and education. The paper, published in Research Policy, is co-authored by Henry Sauermann (ESMT Berlin), Chiara Franzoni, and Diletta Di Marco (both of Politecnico di Milano). It involved more than 2,300 citizen evaluators who assessed four real research proposals using both a recommendation mechanism (advising a funding agency) and a crowdfunding mechanism (donating their own money). The proposals covered a diverse range of topics including COVID-19 drug discovery, Alzheimer’s, otter-human conflict in Florida, and economic preferences across demographic groups. 

A new survey has revealed a widespread lack of clarity among researchers in China regarding ethical publishing practices, particularly when third-party manuscript services are involved. Analyzing the results of the survey, the authors of a study published in the Journal of Data and Information Science highlight the urgent need for all researchers to receive comprehensive and fit-for-purpose ethics education.

How do patients search for health information online? 

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Rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) have an important impact on quality of life, and represent an economic burden to society. EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has emphasised the role of patient empowerment through education.¹ 

Focus on nurse-led clinics 

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – believe that nurses are an important part of the healthcare team, especially for providing evidence-based care and endorsing shared decision-making in consultation with the patient. This is also important considering the shortage of rheumatologists in Europe, which means delegation is necessary. EULAR recommendations on the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis cover the contribution of rheumatology nursing in needs-based patient education, satisfaction with care, timely access to care, disease management, efficiency of care, psychosocial support and the promotion of self-management.¹  

The power to reach patients 

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When receiving a diagnosis of a rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (RMD), people need a lot of information. Some need it all at once, while others may prefer to receive it in smaller portions or like to spread it out. This can mean that rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals do not always know how best to support patient education.