Editorial 5: Investigation in Veterinary Sciences
Veterinary sciences, as other sciences, are composed by two different blocks of knowledge: basic sciences and applicable sciences. Knowledge in anatomy and physiology are examples of basic sciences while pharmacology and animal reproduction are examples of applicable sciences that combine each other of several basic sciences.
From Veterinaria Digital we propose that the teaching of these subjects is carried out in two different facilities and by two well different groups of teachers: a common faculty for basic sciences and university colleges specialised for applicable sciences.
Anyhow, we support that research in veterinary sciences is also carried out by researchers and in differentiated facilities (faculty and colleges) that may coincide with those who also teach.
Investigating is a word which comes from investigare (in Latin) and means “carrying out intellectual and experimental activities, in a systematic way, with the purpose of increasing the knowledge about a determinate subject. These intellectual and experimental activities must adjust, as in other sciences, to the scientific method, proposed by Francis Bacon (1561-1626) and others, which is based on the following stages:
1. Observation: application of senses on a particular object or phenomenon to study how they show.
2. Induction: extraction, from particular observations or experiences, of the particular principle of all of them.
3. Hypothesis: approach by observing
4. Test the hypothesis by experimentation to obtain results of repetitive character.
5. Demonstration or refutation (antithesis) of the hypothesis through reasoning.
6. Thesis or scientific theory (conclusions).
We consider very important that researchers carry out, exceptionally, teaching task when their studies have led to theories which transmission is considered important for students. They should also intervene, systematically, in methodological training of students.
From Veterinaria Digital we propose basic research to develop selected subjects depending on the general interest as this research will be probably financed with Public funds, while applicable research to develop selected subjects depending on particular interest of those who will apply, later, the knowledge acquired.
Anyway, according to our opinion, Public funds should never being used for applicable research; neither public institutions should exploit knowledge acquired in applicable research.
Finally from Veterinaria Digital, we propose, in order to get a transparent Public Administration, that teaching and research are incompatible with decisive positions in public institutions linked to the regulation of the veterinary industry.