Quality Assurance can be applied to fundamental research: Supporting Excellence in the Science Base

Abstract

Quality Assurance (QA) has a bad press in research circles. Fundamental researchers tend to consider that experienced scientists do not need any controls beyond their own integrity. This article attempts to show how QA can be applied even to the most original and basic research areas, and that there are benefits to the introduction of a formal system, provided all personnel are involved in the aspects that affect them.