Suchergebnisse

Abstract: Funding agencies and universities are increasingly searching for effec-tive ways to support and strengthen a dynamic and competitive scientific research capacity. Many of their funding policies are based on the hypothesis that increased collaboration and networking between researchers and between institutions lead to improved scientific productivity. Although many studies have found positive correlations between academic collaborations and research performance, it is less clear how formal institutional networks contribute to this effect. Using social net-work analysis (SNA) methods, we highlight the distinction between what we define as "formal" institutional research networks and "organic" researcher networks. We also analyze the association between researchers' actual structural position in such networks and their scientific performance. The data used come from cur-riculum vitae information of 125 researchers in two provincially funded research networks in Quebec, Canada. Our findings confirm a positive correlation between collaborations and research productivity. We also demonstrate that collaborations within the formal networks in our study constitute a relatively small component of the underlying organic network of collaborations. These findings contribute to the literature on evaluating policies and programs that pertain to institutional research networks and should stimulate research on the capacity of such networks to foster research productivity.Résumé : Les universités et les agences de financement cherchent de plus en plus à renforcer de façon efficace une capacité de recherche scientifique dynamique et concurrentielle. Bon nombre de leurs politiques de financement sont fondées sur l'hypothèse qu'une amélioration de la collaboration et du réseautage entre les chercheurs et entre les établissements mène à une productivité scientifique accrue. De nombreuses études ont noté une corrélation positive entre les collaborations de recherche et le rendement en recherche, mais la contribution des réseaux institution-nels officiels à ce résultat reste nébuleuse. À l'aide de méthodes d'analyse des réseaux sociaux, nous mettons l'accent sur la distinction entre ce que nous définissons comme les réseaux institutionnels de recherche « officiels » et les réseaux « organiques » de chercheurs. Nous analysons aussi l'association entre les positions structurelles réelles

Brazil was heralded for completion of the first genome sequence of a plant pathogen following the development of a virtual research center — a collaborative network of laboratories throughout the state of São Paulo, drawing on the expertise of a dispersed and diverse scientific community and on investment from both the government and the private sector. Strategies key to the success of this model are discussed here in the context of continuing collaborative scientific endeavors in both developed and developing countries.

Attempts to improve the policy environment have led to a growing pressure on governments in Africa to embark on policymaking that is more evidence based and considers a wide spectrum of scientific and indigenous knowledge. Local – or 'homegrown' – research networks on the continent can help strengthen the role of scientific knowledge in policymaking by increasing the capacity of researchers and by enhancing the visibility and communication of the research produced. While a large number of regional and sub-regional research networks have sprung up in Africa, the mere existence of networks does not guarantee their success. In reality, the impact of research networks on the science–policy interface depends on how well the networks operate in practice. We present a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of research networks in a way that is comparable across networks. The evaluation framework was used to evaluate two sub-regional research networks: the NEPAD Southern African Networks of Water Centres of Excellence (SANWACTE) and the NEPAD Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio). The evaluation revealed some shared constraints limiting the effectiveness of both networks, including uneven regional representation, asymmetry between network members, and difficulties in securing sufficient, diverse and sustainable resources. Further research into network design and funding models is suggested in order to enhance the role of these networks in providing locally appropriate knowledge for policymaking on the continent. SIGNIFICANCE : • While a large number of research networks have sprung up in Africa, the mere existence of networks does not guarantee success. • Uneven regional representation, power asymmetries, and limited funding constrain the effectiveness of research networks. ; British Academy (Newton Mobility Grant no. NG150251); Leverhulme Trust International Networks Scheme (project number IN-2014-014) ; http://www.sajs.co.za ; am2018 ; Political Sciences

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