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Enhancing Reproducibility in 2D Materials Research: Concrete Guidelines and Tools for Reliable Scientific Findings


Core Concepts
Improving the reproducibility of research findings is crucial for advancing 2D materials science and enabling the development of beneficial technologies. This work presents a comprehensive set of guidelines and tools to enhance reproducibility across all stages of the research process.
Abstract

The content discusses the significant reproducibility challenges in the field of 2D materials research and provides a multi-stakeholder approach to address this issue.

Key highlights:

  1. The 2D materials research field has experienced rapid progress, but this has been accompanied by a concerning lack of reproducibility in many studies. This "reproducibility gap" hinders the field's scientific maturation and technological development.

  2. The authors outline recommendations for researchers at different stages of the research process, including funding, planning, execution, reporting, peer review, citation, and follow-up. These recommendations cover topics such as detailed methodology documentation, transparent data sharing, and engaging in replication efforts.

  3. The Standardized Template for Experimental Procedures (STEP) is introduced as a framework to facilitate comprehensive and structured reporting of experimental details, enabling easier replication by other researchers.

  4. The ReChart system is proposed as a way for researchers to declare their adherence to various reproducibility targets, providing a consistent reference for authors, reviewers, and readers.

  5. The authors also provide targeted recommendations for other key stakeholders, including funding bodies, publishers, peer reviewers, industry, policymakers, and educational institutions, to foster a culture of transparency and reliability in 2D materials research.

  6. Addressing the reproducibility crisis in 2D materials research requires a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders to improve research practices, data management, and the overall research ecosystem.

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Stats
"70 % of scientists had failed to reproduce another scientist's experiment and 50 % had failed to reproduce their own." "Unsuccessful attempts to reproduce results may even be repurposed and published as new methods or data."
Quotes
"Poor reproducibility indeed also plague graphene production and scientific research." "Unsurprisingly, researchers are increasingly overwhelmed by the 'peer-review treadmill' after the pandemic, which unfortunately feeds back to the quality and usefulness of published literature." "Omitting details by an author can lead to significant wasted time for numerous research groups trying to replicate the study, which might then be considered to have a net negative impact."

Key Insights Distilled From

by Pete... at arxiv.org 10-01-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.18994.pdf
Closing the reproducibility gap: 2D materials research

Deeper Inquiries

How can the research community incentivize and reward researchers who actively engage in replication studies and share their experiences, even when the results are negative?

The research community can implement several strategies to incentivize and reward researchers who engage in replication studies and transparently share their findings, including negative results. First, funding agencies can create specific grant opportunities dedicated to replication studies, allowing researchers to allocate resources for these efforts. By providing financial support, funding bodies can emphasize the importance of reproducibility in research. Second, academic institutions can recognize and reward replication efforts in performance evaluations and promotion criteria. This could involve incorporating metrics that value contributions to replication studies and the sharing of negative results, thereby encouraging researchers to prioritize these activities over solely novel findings. Third, journals can establish dedicated sections for replication studies, offering a platform for researchers to publish their findings, regardless of the outcome. This would not only enhance visibility for replication work but also normalize the practice within the scientific community. Additionally, creating a culture of openness and collaboration can be fostered through workshops and conferences that highlight the significance of replication studies. By sharing success stories and best practices, researchers can be motivated to engage in replication efforts, knowing that their contributions are valued and recognized.

What are the potential legal and ethical challenges in implementing more stringent data sharing and transparency requirements, and how can these be addressed to enable broader adoption of open science practices?

Implementing more stringent data sharing and transparency requirements can present several legal and ethical challenges. One significant concern is the protection of intellectual property (IP). Researchers may be hesitant to share data that could potentially compromise their competitive advantage or lead to unauthorized use of their findings. To address this, institutions can develop clear guidelines that delineate what data can be shared and under what conditions, ensuring that IP rights are respected while promoting transparency. Another challenge is the potential violation of privacy and confidentiality, particularly when research involves sensitive data or human subjects. Ethical considerations must be taken into account, and researchers should be trained on how to anonymize data effectively before sharing it. Establishing robust data management plans that comply with legal and ethical standards can facilitate responsible data sharing. Furthermore, there may be resistance from researchers who are accustomed to traditional practices that prioritize individual ownership of data. To overcome this, educational initiatives can promote the benefits of open science, emphasizing how data sharing enhances collaboration, reproducibility, and the overall advancement of science. By fostering a culture that values transparency and collaboration, the research community can encourage broader adoption of open science practices.

Given the rapid pace of innovation in 2D materials research, how can educational institutions effectively integrate the latest best practices for ensuring reproducibility into their curricula to prepare the next generation of researchers?

Educational institutions can effectively integrate best practices for ensuring reproducibility into their curricula by adopting a multi-faceted approach. First, they should develop dedicated courses focused on research methodology, emphasizing the importance of reproducibility, systematic documentation, and data sharing. These courses can include hands-on training in using tools like the Standardised Template for Experimental Procedures (STEP) and the Reproducibility Charter (ReChart), which provide structured frameworks for documenting experimental procedures. Second, institutions can encourage interdisciplinary collaboration by incorporating case studies from various fields, including 2D materials research, to illustrate the practical application of reproducibility principles. This approach can help students understand the relevance of reproducibility across different scientific domains and foster a culture of collaboration. Third, integrating experiential learning opportunities, such as internships or research projects that prioritize replication studies, can provide students with real-world experience in applying reproducibility practices. By engaging in these activities, students can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and importance of reproducibility in research. Finally, institutions should promote a culture of open science by encouraging students to participate in open-access initiatives, data sharing platforms, and collaborative research projects. By instilling these values early in their academic careers, educational institutions can prepare the next generation of researchers to prioritize reproducibility and transparency in their future work, ultimately contributing to the maturation of the 2D materials research field.
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