Can creators and curators redefine the scientific record?

There has always been a crucial linkage between creators and curators of scientific knowledge. The creators need the curators so that they can publish and establish their reputations, and the curators need the steady generation of new scientific knowledge. The advent of the internet has changed the balance of the relationship between the creators and curators, but the interdependency remains. There is also a greater call for open access to publication, and this brings a need for more appropriate controls. In this talk I shall deal with aspects of the relationship from the point of view of a researcher, and also describe steps being taken by the International Council for Science to develop a policy on open access, and the use of metrics for the assessment of quality. Initially, I should like to say a few words about the International Council for Science (ICSU). ICSU was founded in 1931 with 41 National Members and 8 International Scientific Unions, and took over from the International Association of Academies and the International Research Council. The membership in 2014 consists of 120 National Members and 31 International Scientific Unions. The mission of ICSU is to strengthen international science for the benefit of society. One specific way in which this can be achieved is in the formulation and provision of the best available science information to guide policy making by governments and other decision makers. ICSU’s vision is a world where science is used for the benefit of all, excellence in science is valued, and scientific knowledge is effectively linked to policy-making. In such an ideal world, universal and equitable access to scientific data and information would be a reality and all countries would have the scientific capacity to use these. ICSU has a strongly multi-faceted mission to benefit society. It seeks to identify and address key issues for science and society, to foster collaboration amongst scientists across all disciplines and from all countries, to promote the participation of all scientists, regardless of race, citizenship, language, political stance, or gender, in the international scientific endeavour, and to give independent, authoritative advice to link the scientific community with governments, civil society, and industry. ICSU has three organisational themes, namely the Universality of Science, Science for Policy, and International Research Collaboration. The boundaries between these three themes are porous, given the important linkages between them. The Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS) is dedicated to the promotion of freedom and responsibility of scientists, as well as promoting access to data and information as a critical contribution to the conduct of science around the globe. The Principle of Universality (freedom and responsibility) of Science maintains that the free and responsible practice of science is fundamental to scientific advancement and human and environmental