By: Ethan Rogers
The increase in retractions, fraud, and concerns over questionable research practices has raised concerns about scientific credibility. Michael Lissack advocates for greater accountability in research practices, highlighting the potential risks associated with AI-driven tools and calling for a renewed focus on research integrity.
As the founder and director of the Second Order Science Foundation, an organization dedicated to merging science, cybernetics, and pragmatic constructivism, Michael is working to encourage a more reflective approach to scientific inquiry.
Promoting Growth Through Learning and Reflection
Michael has devoted his career to understanding how individuals and organizations can better adapt, evolve, and respond to a rapidly shifting world. His contributions in knowledge management, organizational learning, and leadership development have provided businesses in healthcare, finance, and education with strategies to increase their learning systems, improve operational performance, and navigate complex challenges.
Holding a D.B.A. from Henley Management College through Brunel University and an MBA from Yale School of Management, Michael has worked extensively with organizations to encourage ethical inquiry and continuous learning. Recognizing an increase in concerns regarding research integrity, he has placed a stronger emphasis on promoting ethical research practices to safeguard the credibility of scientific findings.
The Challenge of Research Integrity and the Need for Reflection
The rise of questionable research practices—rushed conclusions, errors, and cases of deliberate fraud—has contributed to public skepticism about science. This can stem from systemic issues within the research world, where the pressure to publish and secure funding sometimes overshadows the need for critical reflection on results and methodologies.
In today’s fast-paced, highly specialized research environment, initial findings are at times treated as definitive without sufficient scrutiny. Researchers, driven by publication and funding demands, may occasionally overlook opportunities to refine their understanding or identify potential flaws.
The Mission of the Second Order Science Foundation
Recognizing these challenges, Michael founded the Second Order Science Foundation to encourage reflective practice and ethical rigor in scientific research. By incorporating the perspectives of cybernetics and pragmatic constructivism, the Foundation seeks to support a more responsible and self-aware approach to research.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and ongoing engagement, the Foundation’s members strive to address the trend of rushed conclusions, gaps in rigor, and misapplied scientific interpretations. By fostering a culture of continuous inquiry, they hope to contribute to the restoration of scientific integrity and encourage researchers to ask deeper, more meaningful questions.
Shaping Thought Through Writing, Speaking, and Teaching
Michael has authored numerous books and articles on knowledge management, organizational learning, and leadership. As a sought-after speaker, he has traveled extensively, offering insights that challenge audiences to rethink certain established norms and embrace critical thinking.
Beyond his writing and public engagements, Michael has held leadership roles in the field. As president of the American Society for Cybernetics and founder of the Institute for the Study of Coherence and Emergence, he has contributed to discussions on ethical research and scientific inquiry. His teaching roles at institutions such as Erasmus and Tongji universities have allowed him to influence the next generation of thinkers.
Advocating for Ethical Foresight in a Complex World
Michael’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond science. In 1994, he brought attention to the yield-burning scandal while at Smith Barney, a practice in which financial firms manipulated U.S. government portfolios to increase profits. His efforts were part of a broader movement that led to a systemic industry shift, and he later used part of the settlement funds to endow professorships at Williams College and the University for Humanistics in Utrecht.
His advocacy also extends to AI ethics. In his 2024 paper, The Imperative of Responsible AI in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals, Michael emphasized that while AI offers new opportunities, it also presents ethical considerations. He argues that current LLM-based AI tools can sometimes lead users to over-rely on them as definitive sources. Instead, he encourages users to engage with AI critically—asking questions, iterating results, and considering alternative perspectives. AI should be seen as an augmentation for human abilities, not a substitute.
Shaping the Future of Science Through Ethical AI
Michael is currently finalizing two books: MisUsed Tools: Science’s Problem with LLMs and Questioning Understanding, Understanding Questioning. These works examine how AI-powered tools are influencing scientific research and offer guidance on their ethical use.
The Second Order Science Foundation is not only launching projects—it is also advocating for cultural shifts in research. By encouraging researchers, scientists, and industry practitioners to critically assess AI tools, the Foundation aims to promote a more thoughtful and responsible approach to scientific inquiry as AI technology continues to evolve.
Michael’s Vision for Responsible AI Stewardship
As AI continues to shape the future of research, Michael Lissack advocates for ethical reflection. By championing responsible AI use in scientific inquiry, he hopes to contribute to a research landscape built on integrity and critical thinking.
His work is not just about enhancing current practices—it seeks to influence the next generation of scientists. Through education, advocacy, and institutional engagement, Michael is part of a movement that supports scientific progress guided by thoughtful, ethical foresight rather than blind technological adoption.
In an era where AI and rapid innovation are reshaping research, Michael Lissack’s vision serves as a reminder that true discovery is not just about advancing knowledge—it is about doing so with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to rigorous inquiry.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult subject matter experts before making decisions based on this content.
Published by Liz S
