Are groundbreaking science discoveries becoming harder to find?
Researchers are arguing over whether ‘disruptive’ or ‘novel’ science is waning – and how to remedy the problem.
David Matthews
I'm the international editor at Science|Business, covering global research and technology policy - everything from the regulation of AI to the scientific rivalry between the United States and China. You can read my stories here. Before joining Science|Business, I was Europe correspondent at Times Higher Education. I'm based in Berlin.
I also write on a freelance basis, focusing on technology. I’ve written for outlets including Nature, the Guardian, The Register, UploadVR and the British Journalism Review. Here are a selection of my articles.
Foreign researchers in China face tightening restrictions
Data and security laws are affecting scientists who stayed in China after COVID — but for some it’s still a great place to do research.
How cheap solar power could have arrived decades ago
Solar’s development – stalled by Reagan in the US and underinvestment in Europe – offers lessons for today’s policymakers in other technologies
Russian researchers disappear from academic conferences as isolation bites
Following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine a fear of working with the West, sanctions, visa restrictions, travel issues and an exodus of academics have forced Russia to retreat from the global scientific conversation
Despite risks, EU continues to fund research with Chinese military-linked universities
A Science|Business investigation finds five ongoing EU research projects that include China’s ‘Seven Sons of National Defence’ universities, in network security, heat transfer and drones. No comment from Brussels, but experts warn of danger
Inside Effective Altruism’s plan to stop science killing us all
The crash of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange drew attention to a growing movement in the tech world aiming to become better at predicting, steering and sequencing scientific breakthroughs. The notion is gaining traction in Europe and the US – scandal notwithstanding
A new type of powerful artificial intelligence could make EU’s new law obsolete
The EU’s proposed artificial intelligence act fails to fully take into account the recent rise of an ultra-powerful new type of AI, meaning the legislation will rapidly become obsolete as the technology is deployed in novel and unexpected ways.
How to get started in quantum computing
Tempted to try your hand at a new technique? These tools will help you on your way
Researchers concerned as tech giants choke off access to data
We have unprecedented quantities of data about our online behaviour. But academics say social media firms are restricting access, leaving us in the dark about our digital society.
Virtual-reality applications give science a new dimension
Virtual- and augmented-reality tools allow researchers to view and share data as never before. But so far, they remain largely the tools of early adopters.
