A description is given of the academic career and how it fosters the ‘competent researchers’ who can influence the search for a consensus. Problems with unequal opportunities to reach such positions are mentioned, as well as the role of scientific institutions and the ‘invisible college’ of connected researchers at different institutions. The concept of academic freedom is introduced and defended. A description and discussion are given of funding opportunities, grant applications and associated problems such as directed calls limiting academic freedom and curiosity-driven research. Various ethical concerns in science are introduced, along with a discussion of how they relate to the web of trust. The role of science in society is discussed, along with problems associated with ‘following the science’ given how science actually works, and how scientists can still make scientific results more accessible and actionable for decision-makers.