The Need for Scientific Coordination

Abstract

Science is becoming ever more complex, and this calls for a systematic change. In this opinion piece, we discuss why the current scientific structure impedes progress on complex challenges and highlight seven key reasons why improved coordination is essential. It helps to: tackle complex questions, enhance specialization and the quality of work, support careers for team players, resolve long-standing scientific disagreements, improve the cumulative nature of science, and increase transparency. We argue that now, more than ever, coordination deserves focused discussion within the scientific community