Literature, Policy and Otherwise
All members of the research team have interests in data sharing. We all, however, approach this field from different standpoints, including philosophical, sociological and anthropological. Over the coming months we will be collaborating on interdisciplinary papers to examine many angles of the problems of data sharing in developing countries.
Stakeholder Interviews
Over the next year key stakeholders involved in various aspects of supporting scientific research in developing countries will be interviewed. These include representative research networks, funding bodies, publishing houses, innovative data sharing companies and other support agencies. They will be asked about their current policies for data sharing and whether any special provision is made for scientists in developing countries.
Embedded Fieldwork
A number of laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK have agreed to participate as field sites for our embedded research. Louise will visit each site for between 4 and 6 weeks and spend time getting to know the researchers, observing how they interact with data and discussing issues of sharing and openness with the staff.
A number of interrelated methodologies will be used to gather multifaceted data. These include:
1. Embedded observations - to understand the research environment of the laboratories, and to identify issues that might contribute towards data sharing practices.
2. Data Notebooks - where the staff will track data usage over some days to provide a basis from which to discuss sharing practices.
3. Semi-structured interviews - to talk to the staff one-on-one about their data sharing preferences and practices.
4. Focus groups - to discuss data sharing issues as a group.
Please look at the blog for updates on the fieldwork and comments on the progress of the project!
All members of the research team have interests in data sharing. We all, however, approach this field from different standpoints, including philosophical, sociological and anthropological. Over the coming months we will be collaborating on interdisciplinary papers to examine many angles of the problems of data sharing in developing countries.
Stakeholder Interviews
Over the next year key stakeholders involved in various aspects of supporting scientific research in developing countries will be interviewed. These include representative research networks, funding bodies, publishing houses, innovative data sharing companies and other support agencies. They will be asked about their current policies for data sharing and whether any special provision is made for scientists in developing countries.
Embedded Fieldwork
A number of laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK have agreed to participate as field sites for our embedded research. Louise will visit each site for between 4 and 6 weeks and spend time getting to know the researchers, observing how they interact with data and discussing issues of sharing and openness with the staff.
A number of interrelated methodologies will be used to gather multifaceted data. These include:
1. Embedded observations - to understand the research environment of the laboratories, and to identify issues that might contribute towards data sharing practices.
2. Data Notebooks - where the staff will track data usage over some days to provide a basis from which to discuss sharing practices.
3. Semi-structured interviews - to talk to the staff one-on-one about their data sharing preferences and practices.
4. Focus groups - to discuss data sharing issues as a group.
Please look at the blog for updates on the fieldwork and comments on the progress of the project!