Let’s advocate the ‘freedom of science’: to practice it, to nurture it, to speak it, and to live it

Abstract

Dear contributors and readers: In continuation to our previous editorial (Science, Scientists, and Journal; IJLS, vol. 5, issue 1), we again raise our voice towards one of the most sensitive issue of present day science, i.e. – the freedom of science and scientists, who practice it, nurture it, and live it. For good or bad, today’s science has been noted in scientific journals and by scientists upon their publication in scientific journals. In this system, one article is published in any journal because that has been approved by a set of reviewers and the editor; and another is rejected because that has been disapproved by the reviewers and editor. We do not differ in that. The only one thing, we want to bring forward is that the authors are bound to support that blind review process, and cannot raise their voice in opposition to that decision. In any free civilized society, we always have differences in opinion. Even ‘right to information’ has become fundamental right in many countries’ constitutional system. Then why should our scientific world lack behind? In IJLS, we have started a complete transparent review system, where anyone can question the review process, whether in favor or against, and raise their voice at an open platform. The complete editorial board is liable to answer or make clear their points. We encourage our authors and readers to practice free and innovative science, as we believe that "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, require creative imagination and marks real advance in science." (Albert Einstein)There are a few more points we would like to inform our readers. From this issue (2012), and as we had promised, the format of the published article has been improved and simplified at the same time. Hope the scientific community will like the new format. The 2012 issue will consist of 4 issues: January–March, April–June, July–September, and October-December. The accepted articles will be uploaded quickly after the final proof is checked by the authors. We plan to continue improving the journal and request the contributors/readers to send their opinions/comments to the Managing Editor at any time they wish.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.6096