The potential of using resources from systems change theory to strengthen metascience

Metascience is the scientific study of research itself, ensuring that the systems, policies and processes shaping research serve to improve it on a holistic level. Systems change theory offers a way of addressing long-term problems by examining the structures from which those problems arise, rather than focusing solely on their symptoms. Recent years have seen a surge of interest in metascientific analyses aimed at ensuring the ecosystem underpinning academic research aligns with the principles of integrity, truth and curiosity. In this article, I examine the current focus on reform in the global research environment, including how to discourage questionable and dishonest research practices and how to reduce the burden on professional staff in higher education. I argue that these challenges reveal the interconnectedness and complexity of the research ecosystem, and that systems change theorists have already developed tools and concepts well-suited to addressing such complexity. I conclude that, while these resources remain under-utilized, they have the capacity to support efforts to ensure that metascience achieves its aims of ensuring effective use of research funds, fostering research integrity, and making a meaningful contribution to civil society.