A Fond Farewell

Colin Norman

doi:10.1126/science.1240454

Abstract

Half a century ago, Philip Abelson, Science 's longtime Editor-in-Chief , made a radical move in the world of scholarly publishing. He launched a new section of the journal, News and Comment, and staffed it with journalists, not scientists. His rationale: Fundamental changes were taking place in the funding and organization of research, and it was becoming increasingly important for scientists to know about and understand events shaping the scientific enterprise. A decade later, he added another journalist-written section, Research News, that would report on new findings and trends in research itself. This time, he reasoned that because research was becoming ever more specialized, scientists needed objective reporting on developments in disciplines outside their own. Under the leadership of early News editors such as Daniel S. Greenberg and Allen Hammond, the News sections quickly became among the most widely read parts of a journal that has continued to publish the very best research papers.

Highlights

I believe that Abelson’s reasoning is as sound today as it was 50 years ago
A decade later, he added another journalist-written section, Research News, that would report on new findings and trends in research itself
We have gone from a solely Washington, D.C.–based unit to one with bureaus in China, Japan, India, Germany, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and four other U.S cities, as well as a stable of freelance writers who report from many other places

Summary

Introduction

I believe that Abelson’s reasoning is as sound today as it was 50 years ago. The need has never been greater for good, timely reporting on an enterprise that is global and is widely viewed as a critical element in economic development and in the solution of many societal problems. Colin Norman has been News Editor of Science since 1995. HALF A CENTURY AGO, PHILIP ABELSON, SCIENCE’S LONGTIME EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, MADE A RADICAL

Results

Conclusion