An Essay on Scientific Authority from the Perspective of a Selected Pre-eminent Iranian Scientist

Iran's, national policy documents and appeared in science policymakers' orations however there is no consensus on definition and indicators to evaluate it. Previous studies tried to dedicate a comprehensive definition but there is no common image of the concept of scientific authority. This research aimed to discuss different aspects of the concept of scientific authority based on a qualitative research method using experts' judgments (a selection of Iranian scientists affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology who are listed in ESI 1% and the annual ISC list). Semi-structured interviews and content analysis were implemented to present a definition of scientific authority and characteristics to identify a person or system with authority in science. Moreover, major challenges as initiators of the science and technology policymaking process were identified and prioritized. Findings showed it could be claimed that for evolving concepts, such as scientific authority, which are context dependent lack of a consensus definition is not a defect, but the best explanations are expected to present by research communities. Moreover, it has been revealed that scientific authority emerged at both individual and institutional levels that can facilitate national scientific development if they interact systematically. Also, findings showed reinforcing communication networks and respond to the society stabilize the scientific authority.