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Nullius in Verba

Nullius in Verba

Smriti Mehta and Daniël Lakens 100 Episodes Oct 11, 2026

Nullius in Verba is a podcast about science—what it is and what it could be. It is hosted by Smriti Mehta from UC Berkeley and Daniël Lakens from Eindhoven University of Technology.

Episodes

Episode 85: Duae Culturae
Episode 85: Duae Culturae Oct 11, 2026 4149 In today’s episode, we discuss the classic 1959 Rede Lecture by scientist and novelist C. P. Snow. We reflect on whether there is still a divide between the humanities and the sciences, how important it is to be educated in both, whether the humanities and the sciences care just as much about the truth, whether scientists need to know Shakespeare, and what the second law of thermodynamics is about
Episode 84: Codices de Moribus Scientificis - II
Episode 84: Codices de Moribus Scientificis - II Sep 19, 2026 3598 In this two-part episode, we examine scientific codes of conduct, using the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity as our primary example. We discuss why such codes are necessary, where their guiding principles come from, and how (and whether) they are enforced. We also discuss many of the standards of good research practice derived from said principles. 
Episode 83: Codices de Moribus Scientificis - I
Episode 83: Codices de Moribus Scientificis - I Sep 4, 2026 2963 In this two-part episode, we examine scientific codes of conduct, using the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity as our primary example. We discuss why such codes are necessary, where their guiding principles come from, and how (and whether) they are enforced.
Episode 82: Scientia: Nova Aetas Aurea
Episode 82: Scientia: Nova Aetas Aurea Aug 14, 2026 4556 In this episode, we will reflect on how governments should support science, from the 1945 policy report Science: The Endless Frontier by Vannevar Bush, and then move on to the recent policy document by the Trump Administration 'Science: A New Golden Age'. We reflect on what we like about the policy report and what we like less. Is the linear model from basic research to application indeed outdated
Episode 81: Analysis Multiversi
Episode 81: Analysis Multiversi Jul 31, 2026 4038 In this episode, we will discuss multiverse analysis–what it is, why we use it, and how we should use it. We also discuss many analyst projects, and Daniel's new preprint on multiverse analysis.    Shownotes Auspurg, K. (2025). Robustness is better assessed with a few thoughtful models than with billions of regressions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(43), e2521917122. Chambe
Episode 80: Intelligentia Artificialis
Episode 80: Intelligentia Artificialis Jul 17, 2026 4240 After a short break due to busy calendars, we are back to discuss the role automation and artificial intelligence can play in science. Is AI evil, or does it just amplify the problems that were already present in science? Can automated AI driven checks help scientists to improve the way they work? If so, where are these tools helpful, and when? Enjoy.  The Babbage quote is from Babbage in Novem
Episode 79: Dissensio - II
Episode 79: Dissensio - II Apr 19, 2026 2825 In this episode, we continue our discussion of disagreement in science, shifting the conversation from why it matters to how to do it well.   Shownotes Paul Graham. (2008). How to disagree.  Rapoport's Rules.  Cass Sunstien. The Rapoport Rules. Preregistration is redundant, at best.  An Evidence-Based Critique of the Cass Review  Fiedler, K., Messner, C., & Bluemke, M. (2006). Unresolved
Episode 78: Dissensio - I
Episode 78: Dissensio - I Apr 4, 2026 3698 This is a two-part episode on the role of disagreement in science. In the first part, we discuss the "why," before moving on to the "how" in the next episode. Enjoy.    Shownotes Dellsén, F., & Baghramian, M. (2021). Disagreement in science: Introduction to the special issue. Synthese, 198(Suppl 25), 6011-6021. Oreskes, N., & Conway, E. M. (2011). Merchants of doubt: How a handful of scie
Episode 77: Miscitatio
Episode 77: Miscitatio Mar 13, 2026 4267 In this episode, we discuss the problem of miscitation. How often are citations to the scientific literature outright misleading? Do we really need to spell out that people  are supposed to read what they cite? What can we learn from other fields? Or should we just live with the fact that a decent percentage of citations in the literature are wrong? Enjoy.    Careless citations don't just spread
Episode 76: Incitamenta - II
Episode 76: Incitamenta - II Feb 27, 2026 2620 In this two-part episode, we discuss incentives in science and academia. We discuss the various incentives in science, including recognition, citations, money, and the kick in the discovery.   Shownotes Cole, S., & Cole, J. R. (1967). Scientific output and recognition: a study in the operation of the reward system in science. American Sociological Review, 377–390. Crane, D. (1965). Scientists
Episode 75: Incitamenta - I
Episode 75: Incitamenta - I Feb 15, 2026 3091 In this two-part episode, we discuss incentives in science and academia. We discuss the various incentives in science, including recognition, citations, money, and the kick in the discovery.   Shownotes Cole, S., & Cole, J. R. (1967). Scientific output and recognition: a study in the operation of the reward system in science. American Sociological Review, 377–390. Crane, D. (1965). Scientists
Episode 74: Notiones Vague
Episode 74: Notiones Vague Jan 30, 2026 4044 In this episode, we discuss the problems associated with vague concepts in psychological science. We talk about the jingle-jangle fallacy, the trade-off between broad concepts and more precise concepts, if we should generate databases of conceptual definitions, and how the reward structures can get in the way of specifying concepts clearly.   Shownotes Aikins, H. A. (1902). The principles of logi

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