Scientific controversy is a closed discussion between scientists. Disputes may involve issues such as interpretation of data, which ideas are best supported by the evidence, and which ideas are worth pursuing.
Scientific debate is a closed loop between scientists. Disputes may involve issues such as data interpretation, which ideas are most supported by evidence, and which ideas are worth pursuing.
Scientific debate is a close between scientists. Controversy may involve issues such as data interpretation, which ideas are best supported by evidence and which ideas are worth pursuing.