13 research outputs found
Complex adaptive systems theory applied to virtual scientific collaborations: The case of DataONE
This study is the exploration of the emergence of DataONE, a multidisciplinary, multinational, and multi-institutional virtual scientific collaboration to develop a cyberinfrastructure for earth sciences data, from the complex adaptive systems perspective. Data is generated through conducting 15 semi-structured interviews, observing three 3-day meetings, and 51 online surveys. The main contribution of this study is the development of a complexity framework and its application to a project such as DataONE. The findings reveal that DataONE behaves like a complex adaptive system: various individuals and institutions interacting, adapting, and coevolving to achieve their own and common goals; during the process new structures, relationships, and products emerge that harmonize with DataONE’s goals. DataONE is quite resilient to threats and adaptive to its environment, which are important strengths. The strength comes from its diversified structure and balanced management style that allows for frequent interaction among members.
The study also offers insights to PI(s), managers, and funding institutions on how to treat complex systems. Additional results regarding multidisiplinarity, library and information sciences, and communication studies are presented as well
Data Sharing by Scientists: Practices and Perceptions
Background: Scientific research in the 21st century is more data intensive and collaborative than in the past. It is important to study the data practices of researchers – data accessibility, discovery, re-use, preservation and, particularly, data sharing. Data sharing is a valuable part of the scientific method allowing for verification of results and extending research from prior results. Methodology/Principal Findings: A total of 1329 scientists participated in this survey exploring current data sharing practices and perceptions of the barriers and enablers of data sharing. Scientists do not make their data electronically available to others for various reasons, including insufficient time and lack of funding. Most respondents are satisfied with their current processes for the initial and short-term parts of the data or research lifecycle (collecting their research data; searching for, describing or cataloging, analyzing, and short-term storage of their data) but are not satisfied with long-term data preservation. Many organizations do not provide support to their researchers for data management both in the shortand long-term. If certain conditions are met (such as formal citation and sharing reprints) respondents agree they are willing to share their data. There are also significant differences and approaches in data management practices based on primary funding agency, subject discipline, age, work focus, and world region. Conclusions/Significance: Barriers to effective data sharing and preservation are deeply rooted in the practices and cultur
The Social Sciences Interdisciplinarity for Astronomy and Astrophysics -- Lessons from the History of NASA and Related Fields
In this paper we showcase the importance of understanding and measuring
interdisciplinarity and other -disciplinarity concepts for all scientists, the
role social sciences have historically played in NASA research and missions,
the sparsity of social science interdisciplinarity in space and planetary
sciences, including astronomy and astrophysics, while there is an imperative
necessity for it, and the example of interdisciplinarity between social
sciences and astrobiology. Ultimately we give voice to the scientists across
all fields with respect to their needs, aspirations and experiences in their
interdisciplinary work with social sciences through an ad-hoc survey we
conducted within the Astro2020 Decadal Survey scientific community
Toward a New Understanding of Virtual Research Collaborations
Virtual research collaborations (VRCs) have become an important
method of conducting scientific activity; however, they are often regarded and treated
as traditional scientific collaborations. Their success is measured by scholarly
productivity and adherence to budget by funding agencies, participating scientists, and
scholars. VRCs operate in complex environments interacting with other complex systems. A
holistic (or organicist) approach is needed to make sense of this complexity. For that
purpose, this study proposes using a new perspective, namely, the complex adaptive
systems theory that can provide a better understanding of a VRC’s potential creativity,
adaptability, resilience, and probable success. The key concepts of complex systems
(diversity, interaction, interdependency, feedback, emergence, and adaptation) utilized
in organization studies are used to discuss the behaviors of VRCs, illustrated with
real-life examples
Does sustainability matter for makerspaces? The perceptions and paths for transformative innovation policies
International audienc
Does sustainability matter for maker spaces? The perceptions and practices of the French fablabs
International audienceBy means of personal fabrication, and the inherent community spirit, fablabs have great potential for; localization of production, reducing digital divide, ensuring social integration and develop sustainable urban projects as a building block of social innovation. Furthermore, being a manifestation of grassroots innovations movements, it is expected from the fablabs to seek alternative sustainable solutions.This research focuses on fablabs located in France. How do French fablabs perceive social innovation and sustainability? How do they integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their agendas? How can their partners help them contribute to SDGs? What are the causalities behind the different perceptions and contributions for sustainability, their stakeholders, their dominant organizational identity, their principles, or their community? Which organisational practices do they put in place to contribute to SDGs?To answer these questions, an online survey was distributed to French fablabs, and in-depth interviews were carried out on site. The UN SDG framework was used to analyse their sustainability contributions. Preliminary findings include: (1) French fablabs are aware of SDGs; (2) Most contribute to SDG12 “Responsible Consumption and Production”; (3) Most are non-profit organizations; (4) Most are very sensitive to sustainability issues (e.g. regarding repair, recycle and re-use processes), which makes them key contributors to SDGs.There are very few studies about fablabs and their relationship with social innovation and sustainability in the scientific literature. This is the first research study on the French Fablabs, to understand their contribution to SDGs which would lead further research in developing countries on this subject
Data Management in Astrobiology: Challenges and Opportunities for an Interdisciplinary Community
Data management and sharing are growing concerns for scientists and funding organizations throughout the world. Funding organizations are implementing requirements for data management plans, while scientists are establishing new infrastructures for data sharing. One of the difficulties is sharing data among a diverse set of research disciplines. Astrobiology is a unique community of researchers, containing over 110 different disciplines. The current study reports the results of a survey of data management practices among scientists involved in the astrobiology community and the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) in particular. The survey was administered over a 2-month period in the first half of 2013. Fifteen percent of the NAI community responded (n=114), and additional (n=80) responses were collected from members of an astrobiology Listserv. The results of the survey show that the astrobiology community shares many of the same concerns for data sharing as other groups. The benefits of data sharing are acknowledged by many respondents, but barriers to data sharing remain, including lack of acknowledgement, citation, time, and institutional rewards. Overcoming technical, institutional, and social barriers to data sharing will be a challenge into the future. Key Words: Data management—Data sharing—Data preservation. Astrobiology 14, 451–461
Transforming The Box, METU
<p>Transforming The Box” 2015. In: Workshops at Interdisciplinary Design Studio<br>
by METU The Center for Technology. Presenters: Prof. Aydan Erkmen , Dr.Arzu<br>
Gonec Sorguc, Dr. E.Ilhan Kounukseven, Dr. Adil Oran , Dr. Y.Eren Kalay and<br>
Dr.Arsev Umur Aydinoglu, 2015.</p