Changing patterns of communication among scientists in an era of “telescience”

Abstract

In a work environment filled with computers, telephones, fax machines, and other telecommunications equipment, scientists can engage in a new way of conducting their research: telescience. Telescience, a term that originated at NASA, is defined as the existence of geographically dispersed, intensely communicative research groups and collaborators, electronic journals, and teleconferences. The concept seems to be a natural outgrowth of the development of “big science” in the postwar era—only now, instead of an increase in the number of journal articles or organized scientific meetings, there is an increase in the amount of interpersonal interaction facilitated by the new electronic infrastructure. It is not yet clear that telescience will become the mode in most scholarly disciplines, for a number of economic and cultural reasons. However, where it does appear, it may emerge at different rates in different disciplines as the nature and needs of those specialties encourage the differential adoption of the various telecommunications technologies. In this article, the communication processes and structures that are typical of scientific activity are summarized according to a three-stage communication cycle. In addition, the factors that affect scientists' choices of both conventional and newer telecommunication channels are discussed, as well as the barriers that may prevent them from adopting or using such channels. Finally, the potential behavioral, social, and policy implications of the growth of telescience are reviewed, especially in the social context of the contemporary research university.