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Scientists In Charge: The Side Effects Of Hybrid Careers Between Research And Science Policy, Manuel Fernández-Esquinas, Javier López-Facal, Irene Ramos-Vielba

Manuel Fernández-Esquinas

What are the implications of the fact that the most important positions in science policy are held by credentialed and experienced researchers? We propose that appointing scientists to high-level responsibilities in R&D systems have some side effects for both policy making and for the organizational arrangements in S&T organizations that rely on public funding. Stratification mechanisms in the governance of science create a kind of hybrid career between research and science policy. People needed for managing public bodies and research organizations are researchers with expertise in the special arrangements of science. At the same time, distinguished scientists are seen as …