Making all science anonymous

Dropping all names from research proposals, research outputs, etc. so that science becomes a common and community-driven initiatve, with no individual reputational goals or gain.
Level 0
Aim: Value process
Aim: Recognition
Aim: Collaboration
Aim: Alternative questions
CoARA Commitment 3
CoARA Commitment 4
CoARA Commitment 6
Target: Funder
Target: Academic Institution
Target: Individual scholar
Target: Meta-Researcher
Target: Editor and publisher
Contributor

Experiments in Assessment WG

Publication date

April 9, 2026

Updated

April 20, 2026

WarningObjectives and potential outcome
  • Remove perverse incentives for individual career advancement
  • Foster real and complete collaboration
  • Make science open and shared as a default

Research domains

This idea is probably beyond the possibilities of current research assessment systems, but may serve as an interesting thoght experiment to question the individually-centred culture of academic careers, funding, and recognition.

Context and considerations

Challenges and mitigations

Evaluating success

Relevant resources and literature

This section includes resources, literature, and reports relevant to this specific experimental idea.

Templates from funders and institutions

Case examples and literature

Other resources

Neuroskeptic. (2013). Anonymity in science. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(5), 195–196.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2013.03.004

Background arguments can also be found in Frazzetto, G. (2004). Who did what? Uneasiness with the current authorship is prompting the scientific community to seek alternatives. EMBO Reports, 5(5), 446–448. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.embor.7400161

Case Studies or Implementation Examples