Information Technology and the Conduct of Research The User's View (1989) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Panel Findings and Recommendations
Panel Findings and Recommendations
Pages 47-56
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From page 47... ...
The Panel examined the uses of information technology in ten science and engineering disciplines. Although these fields use information technology in different ways, the Panel also found many similarities.
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From page 48... ...
In the resource-constrained environment likely to confront research in the future, difficult decisions will be made on reallocating necessary resources. With a declining population pool from which to draw new scientists, clinicians, and engineers, and with the increasing complexity of research, the Panel believes that increased support of information technology in research deserves high priority.
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From page 49... ...
When researchers learn to use existing information technology, they receive haphazard help in learning; instruction or specialists in information technology are often unavailable. Neither the researchers' disciplines nor their institutions provide incentives for learning.
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From page 50... ...
No current institutional framework provides the ideal answer to these questions. Federal agencies, professional societies and scientific associations, and private profit-making groups need to consider how to address the needs of research users of information technology.
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From page 51... ...
Information technology is now becoming an essential component of the research environment. The services needed by research users include · Access to computers; · Access to networks, both local and wide-area; Long-term storage of and access to data; Hardware maintenance and augmentation; Help in learning to use existing software and services; · Production of new software and customization of existing software; and · Collection, review, documentation, and dissemination of software.
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From page 52... ...
· In addition, these pilot projects should be coupled with exploration of such policy issues as protection of confidentiality of information about human subjects, protection of intellectual property, and information security concerns in a global electronic information environment. RECOMMENDATION II The institutions supporting the nation's researchers, led by the federal government, should develop an interconnected national information technology network for use by all qualified researchers.
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From page 53... ...
The Panel strongly supports the concept of a lead agency, believing that leadership in coordination of support for a national research network is an essential element in the nation's science policy. The Panel believes the National Science Foundation would be an appropriate lead agency, given its legislatively mandated responsibility for supporting research and education across the full range of science and engineering disciplines.
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From page 54... ...
Nevertheless, the Panel believes that the interests of the global research community are best served by establishing open and unfettered access as a fundamental presumption in the operation of a national research network. RECOMMENDATION III To facilitate implementation of Recommendations I and II, and to focus continuing attention on the opportunities and impediments associated with research uses of information technology, the Panel recommends the establish ment at a national level of a user's group to oversee and advise on the evolution and use of information technology in support of scientific, engineering, and clinical research.
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From page 55... ...
A model for such activities among present National Research Council operating groups might be the Office of Scientific and Engineering Personnel. This mechanism would also provide a forum to facilitate the transfer of technology: by sponsoring workshops for scientists on newly developed information technology and on coordination of approaches to simplified standards; by exchanging information with technology developers; and by coordinating interaction among scientific organizations and professional associations.
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