si2-urssi / policy

12 stars 1 forks source link

Develop case studies that spotlight the foundational role of software in scientific practice #31

Open dr-eric-jensen opened 11 months ago

dr-eric-jensen commented 11 months ago

image

Potential Activity Scope Develop a set of narrative science/discovery case studies where software was particularly fundamental, focusing on demonstrating the impact of software on scientific practice and impact.

By focusing on case studies where software played a pivotal role, the initiative should investigate both the functional utility of software and its impact on scientific methodologies, outcomes, and value creation.

A rigorous and systematic approach should be employed to select the case studies. Criteria should include the novelty of the software application, the magnitude of its impact on scientific discovery, the relevance to various scientific disciplines, and the potential for scalability and replication across different contexts.

The development of the case studies should involve a comprehensive analysis, integrating quantitative data, qualitative insights, expert opinions, and contextual understanding. This should include in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, a review of relevant literature, and an examination of the software's design, functionality, application, and outcomes.

The case studies should be crafted into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and the public. The narratives should be designed to be engaging, informative, and inspiring, weaving together the technical details with the human stories, challenges, and triumphs.

A core focus of the initiative should be to demonstrate the impact of software on scientific practice and impact. This should involve a clear articulation of how the software enabled new ways of thinking, experimenting, collaborating, and innovating, and how it contributed to tangible scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and societal benefits.

A targeted publicity strategy should be employed to disseminate the case studies.

If sufficient resources and know-how are available, it woudl be beneficial to integrate an ongoing evaluation and learning process into the initiative, involving regular monitoring, feedback, reflection, and adaptation. This would ensure that the initiative remains aligned with its objectives, responsive to emerging trends and needs, and continuously improving in its effectiveness and impact.

Potential Objectives

Targeted Impacts


This potential activity was curated as part of "Charting the Course: Policy and Planning for Sustainable Research Software," a Sloan Foundation-funded project within URSSI dedicated to supporting the future of research software through evidence-informed policy work (Project contacts are: @danielskatz and @dr-eric-jensen). If you are interested in working on this, please add a comment.