Peter Williams

Scientists bookmark applications primarily for professional reasons and increasingly use blogs, wikis and social networks. While this community has always been at the forefront of these communication technologies, a tipping point will soon be reached.

Social media is helping researchers and scientists collaborate, share and discover information. A survey from 2collab, Elsevier’s research collaboration platform, shows that many researchers believe social applications will have a major influence on the future of research. Web-based social tools will, it is predicted, exert an influence on everything from critical analysis and evaluation of research data to the dissemination of research output and even grant application and funding.

The way that online is now embodied in research was underlined by another survey. US-based market research company Manhattan Research studied the medical usage of pharma and biotech data. It predicts that the amount of pharmaceutical research conducted online by doctors will soon move up to 50% from its current 40%.

While there is clearly a willingness, even a desire, to embrace online, it is not necessarily a problem-free option. The 2collab study identifies issues to be overcome before there can be mass acceptance of the role of social networking. The main causes of concern are the need for specialist tools, security and user validation.

Even so, it is clear the business model for scientific journals is set for a radical overhaul, with social media and e-journals becoming central to the dissemination of scientific information. The findings are another indication of the way that Web 2.0 and beyond can prove invaluable. Strengthened scientific communities should be able to spread knowledge and increase collaboration, which will ultimately benefit us all.

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