Oxford University Faces Backlash Over Credit in Rare Flower Rediscovery

The rediscovery of a rare giant flower in Indonesia has sparked a debate over scientific credit. Oxford University is facing criticism for initially failing to name local researchers in its announcement. Botanists found the extremely rare *Rafflesia hasseltii* in a West Sumatra forest. The giant red flower is a parasitic plant. After the find, Oxford posted about it on social media, crediting only its own scientist. The post triggered an uproar. Indonesian researchers and the public said it ignored the crucial role of local scientists. Many saw it as an example of Western institutions taking primary credit for work done with Global South partners. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in international research collaborations. Critics point to a pattern where local expertise is undervalued, a problem they link to the lingering legacy of colonialism in science. Oxford has since updated its communication to acknowledge the Indonesian team. The university stated it is committed to ethical collaboration and will review its practices.