Rethinking Scientific Production

The Slow Science Movement advocates for a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to research that values quality over quantity and depth over speed.

Read Our Manifesto

About the Movement

The Slow Science Movement challenges the prevailing "publish or perish" culture in academia and research institutions. We believe that the current pressure for rapid publication and high citation counts undermines the quality, integrity, and societal value of scientific work.

Our movement advocates for a shift to more thorough research practices that allow scientists the time needed for deep thinking, careful literature review, and meaningful collaboration.

We envision a scientific ecosystem where researchers can cooperate rather than compete, and their work is evaluated based on the significance and rigor of their contributions rather than on bibliometric indices.

Together, we can redefine what it means to be a scientist.

Join the Movement

The Slow Science Manifesto

Our Core Principles

Time for Reflection

Scientific discovery requires time. The development of novel, impactful ideas is only possible without the pressure of immediate results.

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Quality over quantity

We prioritize thorough, well-documented research over the rapid production of numerous, potentially low-impact publications.

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Collaborative Spirit

We foster environments where researchers can share ideas freely and work together without competitive pressures that hinder scientific progress.

Our Demands

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From Funders

We reject the current grant system that concentrate resources in the hands of few. We ask for broad funding enabling many teams to explore ideas over long horizons.

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From Institutions

We reject promotion rubrics that equate merit with publication counts. We ask for a broader evaluation based on quality, creativity, teaching, mentoring and outreach.

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From Publishers

We reject volume-driven business models. We ask for incentives for replication, negative results and slow, careful review.

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From Scientists

We reject the racing to the next incremental paper. We ask for collaborative, interdisciplinary research and open sharing of failures as well as successes.

Join the Movement

If you represent an institution (a research department, lab or company)
Sign as Institution

Join our Google Group

Connect with like-minded researchers to organize meetings, events and advocacy efforts.
Please provide your full name while asking to join group. Your request will be declined otherwise.

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Make Slow Science Visible

Download our logo and QR code. Display them in your office, on the last slide in your conference talks and on your posters.

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Acknowledge the Movement

Add this statement to the acknowledgments section of your paper/poster/presentation.

This work was conducted in the spirit of Slow Science, advocating for collaborative and sustainable research.

Previous appeals to Slow Science and shots of reform

Our movement adds upon earlier efforts to promote thoughtful, sustainable scientific practices. We acknowledge and draw inspiration from these precursors.

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