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

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