Short abstract:

The role of "science detective" is now well-established in both the scientific community and the media. This presentation describes the origins of this role, taking as its object of study the science blogs that developed around 2010.

Long abstract:

The role of "science detective" is now well-established in both the scientific community and the media. Key players such as Elizabeth Bik, Leonid Schneider and Guillaume Cabanac have helped to define the contours of this role and enjoy a high profile in the mainstream media. However, little is known about the recent history and context of the emergence of the detective role. In this presentation we will look at the first uses of the notion of "watchdog" applied to the correction of science, as well as the first steps of post-publication peer review on blogs created around the 2010s. Looking back at the pioneering contribution made by scientists using digital technologies such as blogs or social networks, the aim is to see how these scientists have helped to define the components of the role of detective and, more broadly, the conditions for open critical discussion of scientific publications. In particular, we'll be looking back at the origins and context of the creation of blogs such as Abnormal Science, Science Fraud and Pubpeer.