Jose, Kate Julianne O.

STS 1
2020-08642 Assignment 2-1

On Being A Scientist

1. What is the criteria that guides a scientist in his/her conduct of scientific work?

The article entitled “On being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in

Research,” delineates a set of criteria for scientists to ensure honor and excellence
throughout their scientific endeavors. First and foremost, honesty is paramount, as it
constitutes the bedrock of integrity. It entails a steadfast commitment to truthfulness
throughout the research process. By adhering to honesty, scientists ensure the
credibility and reliability of their research, fostering trust, not only within the scientific
community, but also society at large.
Objectivity complements honesty by guiding scientists to approach research with
impartiality and neutrality. It necessitates setting aside personal biases and allowing
evidence to dictate conclusions instead. By maintaining objectivity, scientists uphold the
rigor and validity of their research. Meanwhile, transparency and openness are
fundamental principles that promote accountability and foster collaboration.
Transparent communication allows for scrutiny and validation of research findings by the
scientific community, enhancing public trust and engagement with scientific endeavors.
Lastly, respecting intellectual property rights and adhering to ethical publication
practices further uphold integrity in scholarly communication, ensuring fair recognition
of contributions and the responsible dissemination of knowledge. Through collaboration
and adherence to regulations, scientists contribute to the maintenance of ethical
standards and the promotion of public trust in scientific research.

2. To your mind, what aspects of social life do these criteria affect? Why?

The broad implications of scientific research affect various aspects of social life in
the primary sense that it is essential for upholding public trust and ensuring the integrity
of scientific endeavors. A society that trusts its scientific community is more likely to
accept and act upon scientific evidence, leading to informed decision-making in areas
such as public policy, healthcare, and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the productive collaboration fostered within the scientific
community leads to advancements in technological innovations. The heart of which we
continue to pursue knowledge lies in the fact that we want to create a better world for
humanity. By openly sharing methodologies, data, and conflicts of interest, scientists
allow for scrutiny and validation of research findings, and thus, allow for more quality
and validity of the scientific work.
3. What are the differences between an individual scientist’s practice in the US and the
Philippines?

Dr. Saloma’s essay “On Being a Scientist in One’s Home Country” sheds light on
the realities faced by the scientific community in the Philippines compared to other
nations such as the US. It emphasizes the importance of building a culture of science
within society and establishing a rich scientific tradition that the Filipino citizenry can be
proud of, particularly emphasizing excellence in fundamental and applied sciences, as
well as mathematics.
In addition to discussing the essential criteria for scientific conduct, Dr. Saloma
addresses the hurdles posed by limited resources and mentorship opportunities in the
Philippines. He underscores the vital role of collaboration and mentorship in cultivating
scientific talent and curbing brain drain.
Overall, we see from Dr. Saloma’s perspective is that scientists play a very
proactive role in shaping the course of humanity’s societal progression.Their discoveries
pave the way for innovative solutions that cater to human needs. By emphasizing the
necessity of supportive environments for scientific research and ethical practices within
home countries, we are able to nurture and elevate the nation’s scientific community.