In the past decades, the digitalisation of research publications has generated a wealth of #data. The analysis of these #bigdata on #research led to the emergence of a new scientific discipline, the #ScienceOfScience.
As best put by the authors:
"The science of science (SciSci) offers a quantitative understanding of the interactions among scientific agents across diverse geographic and temporal scales: It provides insights into the conditions underlying creativity and the genesis of scientific discovery, with the ultimate goal of developing tools and policies that have the potential to accelerate science."
The authors also recognise that:
"A fundamental challenge going forward is accounting for undeniable differences in #culture, habits, and preferences between different fields and countries."
From the general public perspective, science is progressing fast. However, the perception might be slightly different for those who suffer from diseases with unmet medical needs or struggle with the side effects of treatments.
If the progress of science is undeniable, it is to be put in perspective with the billions of Dollars invested each year by developed countries in #R&D. In 2021, France spent almost 64 Billion Dollars on R&D, which is a good investment. However, to make the most of such an investment, we need efficient #research #management.
While the general narrative within the scientific community is that France doesn't spend enough on R&D, leading to a lack of opportunity and a quote and quote "Brain Drain", anyone who has worked in the field knows for a fact there is a significant amount of researchers struggling to meet their publications target. Beyond the quantitative aspect of research output, from a qualitative perspective, it is also essential to make sure that researchers don't just jump from one hyped research topic to another one without building a consistent body of work and that when they do build a body of work, it is on a relevant subject relative to the research objective pursued.
The research landscape is fast evolving. The rise of China, India, and other large developing countries in scientific research means that smaller developed countries might need to be qualitatively more competitive.
I believe the science of science is a relevant way of informing financing and governing bodies #research #management #strategies. Creating better metrics of research output and comparing research output relative to the finances received between countries, research institutions, and scientific fields will lead to better accountability of all involved, better usage of taxpayer money, and faster and better scientific progress.
Please read the article for more insight on this exciting topic.
