Models of Research and the Dissemination of Research Results: the Influences of E-Science, Open Access and Social Networking

In contrast with practice in recent times past, computational and data intensive processes are increasingly driving collaborative research in science and technology. Large amounts of data are being generated in experiments or simulations and these require real-time, or near real-time, analysis and visualisation. The results of these evaluations need to be validated and then published quickly and openly in order to facilitate the overall progress of research on a national and international basis. Research is increasingly undertaken in large teams and is also increasingly interdisciplinary as many of the major research challenges lie at the boundaries between existing disciplines. The move to open access for peer reviewed publications is rapidly becoming a required option in the sector. At the same time, communication and dissemination procedures are also utilising non-traditional forms facilitated by burgeoning developments in social networking. It is proposed that these elements, when combined, constitute a paradigm shift in the model of research and the dissemination of research results.