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Collaborative yet independent: Information practices in the physical sciences
In many ways, the physical sciences are at the forefront of using digital tools and methods to work with information and data. However, the fields and disciplines that make up the physical sciences are by no means uniform, and physical scientists find, use, and disseminate information in a variety of ways. This report examines information practices in the physical sciences across seven cases, and demonstrates the richly varied ways in which physical scientists work, collaborate, and share information and data.
This report details seven case studies in the physical sciences. For each case, qualitative interviews and focus groups were used to understand the domain. Quantitative data gathered from a survey of participants highlights different information strategies employed across the cases, and identifies important software used for research.
Finally, conclusions from across the cases are drawn, and recommendations are made. This report is the third in a series commissioned by the Research Information Network (RIN), each looking at information practices in a specific domain (life sciences, humanities, and physical sciences). The aim is to understand how researchers within a range of disciplines find and use information, and in particular how that has changed with the introduction of new technologies
2011 Strategic roadmap for Australian research infrastructure
The 2011 Roadmap articulates the priority research infrastructure areas of a national scale (capability areas) to further develop Australiaâs research capacity and improve innovation and
research outcomes over the next five to ten years. The capability areas have been identified through considered analysis of input provided by stakeholders, in conjunction with specialist advice from Expert Working Groups
It is intended the Strategic Framework will provide a high-level policy framework, which will include principles to guide the development of policy advice and the design of programs related to the funding of research infrastructure by the Australian Government. Roadmapping has been identified in the Strategic Framework Discussion Paper as the most appropriate prioritisation mechanism for national, collaborative research infrastructure. The strategic identification of Capability areas through a consultative roadmapping process was also validated in the report of the 2010 NCRIS Evaluation.
The 2011 Roadmap is primarily concerned with medium to large-scale research infrastructure. However, any landmark infrastructure (typically involving an investment in excess of $100 million over five years from the Australian Government) requirements identified in this process will be noted. NRIC has also developed a âProcess to identify and prioritise Australian Government landmark research infrastructure investmentsâ which is currently under consideration by the government as part of broader deliberations relating to research infrastructure.
NRIC will have strategic oversight of the development of the 2011 Roadmap as part of its overall policy view of research infrastructure
Large Surveys in Cosmology: The Changing Sociology
Galaxy redshift surveys and Cosmic Microwave Background experiments are
undertaken with larger and larger teams, in a fashion reminiscent of particle
physics experiments and the human genome projects. We discuss the role of young
researchers, the issue of multiple authorship, and ways to communicate
effectively in teams of tens to hundreds of collaborators.Comment: Invited article for "Organizations and Strategies in Astronomy II",
ed. A. Heck, Kluwer Acad. Publ., in press (7 pages, no figures
Ground-based detectors in very-high-energy gamma-ray astronomy
Following the discovery of the cosmic rays by Victor Hess in 1912, more than
70 years and numerous technological developments were needed before an
unambiguous detection of the first very-high-energy gamma-ray source in 1989
was made. Since this discovery the field on very-high-energy gamma-ray
astronomy experienced a true revolution: A second, then a third generation of
instruments were built, observing the atmospheric cascades from the ground,
either through the atmospheric Cherenkov light they comprise, or via the direct
detection of the charged particles they carry. Present arrays, 100 times more
sensitive than the pioneering experiments, have detected a large number of
astrophysical sources of various types, thus opening a new window on the
non-thermal Universe. New, even more sensitive instruments are currently being
built; these will allow us to explore further this fascinating domain. In this
article we describe the detection techniques, the history of the field and the
prospects for the future of ground-based very-high-energy gamma-ray astronomy.Comment: 21 pages, 13 figure
Radio astronomy
The following subject areas are covered: (1) scientific opportunities (millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelength astronomy; meter to hectometer astronomy; the Sun, stars, pulsars, interstellar masers, and extrasolar planets; the planets, asteroids, and comets; radio galaxies, quasars, and cosmology; and challenges for radio astronomy in the 1990's); (2) recommendations for new facilities (the millimeter arrays, medium scale instruments, and small-scale projects); (3) continuing activities and maintenance, upgrading of telescopes and instrumentation; (4) long range programs and technology development; and (5) social, political, and organizational considerations
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