Mark Harrison – The Primordial Scoop

Can Decadal Reports Help Bring An End To Science?

Decadal surveys, while capable of catalyzing transformative investments and intellectual renewal, can also ossify consensus and enforce “instruction” over genuine scientific exploration when speculation is presented with unwarranted authority.

By Mark Harrison July 17, 2025Astrobiology, Life, NASANo Comments

Astrobiology Single Scoops

NASA’s “Standards” White Paper. Does NASA’s drive for consensus make young scientists susceptible to being trampled by mastodons?

Survival in the Ice Age required youth who were able to balance instruction from their elders with a rebellious streak sufficient to reject their instructions when survival required adaptation. Does NASA's need for consensus upset this balance?

By Mark Harrison May 25, 2022Astrobiology, Single ScoopsNo Comments