A new paradigm for the scientific enterprise: nurturing the ecosystem [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

The institutions of science are in a state of flux. Declining public funding for basic science, the increasingly corporatized administration of universities, increasing “adjunctification” of the professoriate and poor academic career prospects for postdoctoral scientists indicate a significant mismatch between the reality of the market economy and expectations in higher education for science. Solutions to these issues typically revolve around the idea of fixing the career "pipeline", which is envisioned as being a pathway from higher-education training to a coveted permanent position, and then up a career ladder until retirement. In this paper, we propose and describe the term “ecosystem” as a more appropriate way to conceptualize today’s scientific training and the professional landscape of the scientific enterprise. First, we highlight the issues around the concept of “fixing the pipeline”. Then, we articulate our ecosystem metaphor by describing a series of concrete design patterns that draw on peer-to-peer, decentralized, cooperative, and commons-based approaches for creating a new dynamic scientific enterprise

Citizen Science Terminology Matters: Exploring Key Terms

Much can be at stake depending on the choice of words used to describe citizen science, because terminology impacts how knowledge is developed. Citizen science is a quickly evolving field that is mobilizing people’s involvement in information development, social action and justice, and large-scale information gathering. Currently, a wide variety of terms and expressions are being used to refer to the concept of ‘citizen science’ and its practitioners. Here, we explore these terms to help provide guidance for the future growth of this field. We do this by reviewing the theoretical, historical, geopolitical, and disciplinary context of citizen science terminology; discussing what citizen science is and reviewing related terms; and providing a collection of potential terms and definitions for ‘citizen science’ and people participating in citizen science projects. This collection of terms was generated primarily from the broad knowledge base and on-the-ground experience of the authors, by recognizing the potential issues associated with various terms. While our examples may not be systematic or exhaustive, they are intended to be suggestive and invitational of future consideration. In our collective experience with citizen science projects, no single term is appropriate for all contexts. In a given citizen science project, we suggest that terms should be chosen carefully and their usage explained; direct communication with participants about how terminology affects them and what they would prefer to be called also should occur. We further recommend that a more systematic study of terminology trends in citizen science be conducted

Preliminary clinical trial of gadodiamide injection: A new nonionic gadolinium contrast agent for MR imaging

The safety and efficacy of a newly developed intravenous formulation of the nonionic contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid- bis (methylamide), formulated as gadodia-mide injection, was investigated. In 30 patients who underwent spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after contrast agent enhancement, the enhanced images had characteristics judged similar to those of images enhanced by means of available gadolinium compounds. In 15 patients, contrast agent administration was of major diagnostic help, either revealing lesions not apparent without enhancement or providing important lesion characterization. In 12 patients, the lack of abnormal enhancement patterns was important in excluding the presence of disease. In three patients, the contrast agent did not provide information additional to that obtained with the unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted images. No clinically significant changes were observed in vital signs, neurologic status, or laboratory results. The authors conclude that, in this limited series, gadodiamide injection proved to be a safe and useful MR imaging contrast agent for evaluation of the central nervous system and surrounding structures.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/38569/1/1880010107_ftp.pd

Build it and they will come?:Community Engagement for Earth Science data initiatives

This invited presentation was given in-person at CISL at NCAR in Boulder, CO on Jan 25, 2024. Session announcement: https://www2.cisl.ucar.edu/events/seminar-build-it-and-they-will-come-community-engagement-earth-science-data-initiatives Abstract: Community-centered approaches have long been a part of the Earth Sciences, since the complex questions that this field grapples with are often beyond what small groups and individuals can address. Despite this, Earth Science initiatives still often struggle to identify why, how, and for what they are engaging communities—both within their fields and beyond. In this interactive presentation, we’ll explore different framings and examples of community engagement approaches that are especially relevant to Earth Science data projects. We’ll learn about how community engagement can range from outreach to activation of communities. We’ll leave with some specific strategies that we can apply in our own projects, such as for organizing workshops, communicating with users, gathering consensus around shared ideas, and increasing the sustainability of projects. In particular, we’ll think about what it means to practice open science and empowerment in today’s context for Earth Science data. </p