Science-Mart: Privatizing American Science

Science-Mart examines the transformation of American scientific research from the post-WWII era through the early 21st century. The book focuses on how market-based policies and privatization have reshaped universities, laboratories, and research institutions. Philip Mirowski traces the shift from government-funded science toward corporate and commercial models of research funding and organization. The analysis covers changes in patent law, the rise of contract research organizations, and evolving relationships between academia and private industry. The book presents detailed case studies and evidence from multiple scientific fields, examining both intended and unintended consequences of privatization. Documentation includes historical records, policy documents, and interviews with scientists and administrators. This work raises fundamental questions about the purpose of scientific research and the role of public institutions in advancing human knowledge. The intersection of capitalism and scientific inquiry emerges as a central tension that continues to shape debates about research funding and priorities.

Readers describe Science-Mart as a critical examination of market-based reforms in scientific research. Reviews note Mirowski's detailed documentation of how corporate interests and neoliberal policies have impacted modern science. Positive reviews highlight: - Thorough historical research and extensive citations - Clear connection between economic policies and changes in research practices - Compelling examples of privatization's effects on universities Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some readers found the tone overly polemical - Limited discussion of potential solutions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (12 reviews) Several reviewers on Goodreads noted the book requires significant background knowledge in both economics and science policy. One Amazon reviewer stated "The content is valuable but the presentation is unnecessarily complex." Another wrote "Essential reading for understanding modern scientific research, despite the challenging prose."

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🔬 The book explores how the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 fundamentally transformed American science by allowing universities to patent discoveries from federally funded research 🎓 Philip Mirowski is a historian and philosopher of economic thought at the University of Notre Dame, known for his critical analysis of neoliberal economics 📊 The term "Science-Mart" is a deliberate reference to Walmart, drawing parallels between the commercialization of science and big-box retail practices 🧪 The book documents how the shift toward privatization has led to a significant increase in scientific secrecy and reduced sharing of research materials among scientists 💡 Mirowski argues that the privatization of science has created a "commercialized regime" where about 75% of clinical trials are now conducted by private contract research organizations rather than academic institutions