# Addressing the Pressing Issues in Scientific Publishing

## Overview

This README.md outlines the findings and methodology of a survey conducted by DeSci Labs, aimed at understanding the most pressing issues in scientific publishing as identified by a group of 94 researchers. This effort seeks to highlight critical challenges in the domains of peer review, data and code accessibility, and research replicability.

## Table of Contents

- [Introduction](#introduction)
- [Survey Methodology](#survey-methodology)
- [Results Summary](#results-summary)
- [Dataset Descriptions](#dataset-descriptions)
- [Granular Survey Results](#granular-survey-results)
- [Solutions and Future Directions](#solutions-and-future-directions)
- [Acknowledgments](#acknowledgments)

## Introduction

The landscape of scientific publishing is fraught with systemic issues that significantly hinder the progression of science. Key among these are the unpaid labor of peer review, challenges in ensuring the replicability of results, and barriers to accessing underlying data and code. This survey by DeSci Labs, involving 94 researchers, aims to dissect these issues, providing a foundation for developing effective solutions.

## Survey Methodology

### Pairwise Comparison Approach

The survey employed a pairwise comparison methodology, asking participants to choose between two issues at a time, which they believed to be more pressing in the context of scientific publishing. This approach allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the priorities and perceptions among the research community.

### Participant Demographics

Participants included a diverse group of early-career scientists from Europe, the UK, and North America, encompassing PhD students, PostDocs, junior faculty members, and researchers working outside of academia.

## Results Summary

The survey identified three main areas of concern:

1. **Unpaid Peer Review:** The lack of compensation for peer reviewers was highlighted as a significant issue.
2. **Replicability Concerns:** Doubts about the trustworthiness and replicability of published research emerged as a critical challenge.
3. **Inaccessibility of Data and Code:** The difficulty in accessing the data and code underpinning empirical studies was pinpointed as a major barrier to scientific progress.

## Dataset Descriptions

### Overview of Included Datasets

The research object includes two datasets:

1. **Summary of Completed Results:** This dataset provides an aggregated view of the survey findings, outlining the overall priorities and concerns of the participant pool regarding scientific publishing.
2. **Granular Information from Participants:** Detailed responses from each participant to each survey question, illustrating the individual perspectives and the reasoning behind each choice made during the pairwise comparison.

### Accessing the Datasets

The datasets are available in the `data` folder of this repository, structured as follows:

- `summary_results.csv`: Aggregated survey findings.
- `individual_responses.csv`: Detailed responses from each participant.

## Granular Survey Results

This section delves into the specific choices made by participants during the survey, offering insights into the comparative importance of the identified issues. The detailed breakdown helps in understanding the nuanced views within the research community regarding what impedes scientific publishing the most.

## Solutions and Future Directions

In response to the survey findings, DeSci Labs is developing solutions to address these critical issues, including:

- **DeSci Nodes:** A tool for the easy sharing, connecting, and updating of manuscripts, data, and code on an open peer-to-peer network.
- **Attestation System:** An upcoming MVP that highlights research and authors adhering to best open science practices, aiming to incentivize reproducibility and transparency.

## Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to all 94 respondents for their participation and invaluable input. Their contributions are crucial in guiding the efforts to reform scientific publishing.

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For more information on this survey and DeSci Labs' initiatives, please visit our [website](https://www.desci.com).