e-(Social) Science:Where next?

4th International e-Social Science

ConferenceManchester

Malcolm AtkinsonDirector e-Science Institute

UK e-Science Envoywww.nesc.ac.uk19th June 2008

Is e-Social Science Different?

Outline

• Why should we • Invest in e-(Social) Science Research?• Change what we do?• Measure and establish value?• Become more (internationally)

collaborative?

• Balancing concerns• A vision of 2020 e-Social Science

Research

The 21st CenturyThis is the century of informationPrime Minister Gordon Brown, University of Westminster, 25 October 2007

Changing Context for Research

• Collaboration growing• International challenges• Digital-systems revolution• Cornucopia of data• Shared remote facilities• Ambient (global) computational and content

services• Transforming all professions and careers

e-Science remains an essential part of our response

セキュリティ

GRID/ ペタコン

ユビキタス

ITS

ではない　情報系アンブレラ

The Information Explosion 988EB

(2010)

161EB(2006 by IDC)

= 1ZB

Slide: Satoshi Matsuoka

Power will cost more than hardware• Lifetime of a disk 5 years (warranty)• Power consumption of 1PB in 5 years 2.2MWh• Cost: $350,000

• Carbon footprint• > aviation• Growing faster• Typical University

• Doubles ICT GHGevery 4 years

Are there economists &social scientists whocan help?

and differencesMatrix: discover synergy

Observation

Modelling

Analysis

Action

Collaboration

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ScholarshipDiagnosisDecision supportImplementation

Long-term Strategic CycleExisting communitiesinvestments, practicesvisions and challenges

Analysis & collation of

requirements

Priorities and goalsResearch case forinvestmentStability commitments

Analysis of technical,

organisational &social options

Business caseDelivery planCollaboration commitments

Procurement & commissioning

Community buildingTool and service delivery

Outreach, Training & Education

New methodsGrowing communitiesNew research resultsNew policy and businessNewly skilled graduates

Measure effectsAnalyse impacts

Evidence of Value“Empirical e-Science”

CIR 2020 Vision

• It has a major (potential) impact for every research and innovation field

• It needs focus and charismatic leaders• Let it find its own focii• Competitively establish

• 20 Doctoral Training Schools• Led by 20 enthusiastic, high-profile professors

At the peak of their research career Adept at exploiting computational and digital data advances For their field of research

• Strongly connected with leading businesses in that field

• Supported by professional outreach to industry, schools, universities, media, …

How many in Social Science?

?Picture

compositionby

Luke Humphrybased on prior

art by Frans Hals