e-Science: Transformations in the Conduct of Scholarship

e-Science: Transformations in the Conduct of Scholarship Special Theme Issue of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication

No less than a revolutionary transformation of the scientific enterprise is claimed to be underway. A plethora of phrases have been coined to describe this transformation: e-Science, e-Social Science, e-Research, cyberscience, Internet-mediated research. Whatever the term, observers assert that the very essence of science is undergoing change, particularly through employment of electronic networks and high-speed computers. The everyday procedures and practices of traditional forms of science in which most scholars engage during their professional lives are being affected by features of e-Science. Although emphasis varies, most descriptions of e-Science involve the following aspects: internationally-oriented collaboration among researchers separated by distance and using high-speed computers and Internet-based tools for managing the research enterprise; for performing data collection, archiving and analysis; and for disseminating findings.

It is timely and appropriate to critically examine these developments from the perspective of the social sciences. This theme issue of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication (JCMC) will consist of reflective and empirical articles that examine the basic principles and features of e-Science and analyze early initiatives emerging from this new approach to scientific investigation. Abstracts of 300-500 words are invited that consider e-Science initiatives and should be submitted by 1 November 2005. General topics relevant for consideration include: * Managing collaboration and communicating among researchers separated by distance; * Developing and using Internet-based tools for data collection, analysis and visualization of findings; * Archiving and providing access to data; * Publishing results in an electronic environment. Reflective case studies are particularly welcome based on projects emphasizing one or more of the aspects of e-Science.

Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to prepare full-length journal manuscripts (ca. 8000 words). These manuscripts will be double blind reviewed. Pending the results of the review process, up to 10 manuscripts will be selected for the JCMC theme issue scheduled for publication in January 2007. An edited book may also be prepared and include additional contributions. Below is the schedule for preparation of the issue: * 1 November 2005: Abstracts due * December 2005: Invitations to prepare manuscripts * April 2006: Manuscripts due * June 2006: Reviews sent to authors; * September 2006: Revised manuscripts submitted * January 2007: Publication of JCMC theme issue

Please direct queries regarding this call to theme issue editor Nicholas Jankowski and submit abstracts per email to: nickjan@xs4all.nl.

Nicholas W. Jankowski Radboud University Department of Communication P.O. Box 9104 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands