In the chapter, we focus on the main quantitative approaches dealing with the structure and dynamics of scientific collaboration networks through co-authored publications. We provide a brief history of social network analysis that serves as a foundation. We further review earlier conceptual classifications of co-authorship networks and distinguish cross-disciplinarily, cross-sectoral and cross-national levels. We couple the newer ideas of “small world” models and “preferential attachment” to older sociological conceptions of scientific collaboration. This is followed by descriptions of deterministic and stochastic models that have been used to study dynamic scientific collaboration networks. We stress the importance of delineating the topology of collaboration networks, understanding micro-level processes and then coupling them. We conclude by outlining the strengths and limitations of various modeling strategies.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31116125
This article investigates how nanotechnology is presented and framed in Slovenian national newspapers. The focus is on the mass media’s influence on citizens’ perceptions of the social implications of nanotechnological progress. An empirical analysis of newspaper coverage of nanotechnology in Slovenia between 2004 and 2009 suggests that Slovenian newspapers are in an early stage of covering nanotechnology issues since they emphasize the positive aspects and scientific interpretations. Additional in-depth interviews with nanotechnologists reveal considerable dissatisfaction with the level and quality of the media’s reporting of the issue of nanotechnology in Slovenia.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30992989
The article examines the role played by policy advice institutions in the governance of ethically controversial new and emerging science and technology in Europe. The empirical analysis, which aims to help close a gap in the literature, focuses on the evolution, role and functioning of national ethics advisory bodies (EABs) in Europe. EABs are expert bodies whose remit is to issue recommendations regarding ethical aspects of new and emerging science and technology. Do national EABs function as inclusive, anticipatory »hybrid forums«? Or do they resemble more »classical« expert-oriented bodies, inspired by technocratic or decisionist approaches? Whether EABs perform anticipatory examinations of ethically contentious issues of emerging science and technology and what kind of political impacts the recommendations of EABs have are further areas of focus. As part of the empirical analysis of the role and functioning of institutional ethical advisory structures in 32 European countries, an extensive analysis of EAB websites and of the content of publicly available documents of such institutions have been carried out, supplemented by an online survey of representatives of the EABs.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31532637