06-RR-101* Virtual environments for multidisciplinary and translational research. Virtual networking environments like Science Commons, Facebook, and Second Life, create platforms that can eliminate many barriers in scientific collaborations. These environments integrate fragmented information sources, enable “one-click” access to research resources, and assist in re-use of scientific workflows. Funded projects would develop and implement virtual collaborative environments to facilitate biomedical and translational research, e.g. addressing issues of privacy, technology transfers, and sharing resources. Contact: Dr. Olga Brazhnik, 301-435-0758, brazhnik@mail.nih.gov
I'm not on Facebook, but I certainly understand how and why it could facilitate communication among collaborators. But Second Life??? Does it allow collaborators to work out their sexual tension virtually?? Or are there glass-and-steel biotech institutes where scientists come, wear form-fitting lab coats, prepare coffee in faux-wood alcoves near spacious conference tables and have virtual meetings?
3 comments:
sweet! that's very forward-thinking of NIH. thanks for pointing it out- I am not eligible for anything, really, in the stimulus package, so I didn't want to torture myself with reading it.
If you're interested in possible opportunitites of virtual environments / virtual worlds like Second Life for scientific collaboration and networking, I recommend reading this blog post:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2008/11/03/guest-post-george-djorgovski-a-new-world-overture/
Also there is JC Bradley's blog, which, while focusing mostly on general open notebook science, has some virtual world / Second Life related posts:
http://usefulchem.blogspot.com/
There is at least one other social-network orientated initiative, so this is a big deal to somebody. It's too bad for me, because I've been laying the groundwork to do some Fb-related studies that won't be shovel-ready for a while (plus, I won't be affiliated with a US institution until August and have to finish my PhD in the meantime). So while it's almost perfect timing, the result will probably be that I get scooped. Good thing it isn't my primary area of interest, and good luck to anyone who can capitalize on this!
01-AA-103* Capturing Social Network Information for Groups at High Risk for Negative Health Behaviors. Emerging evidence indicates that social networks influence health behaviors such as eating habits, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Research in this area is needed to enhance existing methodologies and/or devise novel methods that will capture social network information among groups at heightened risk for particular negative health behaviors. The ultimate public health goal is to use this information to influence behavioral choices and improve health outcomes. Contact: Dr. Mark Willenbring, 301-443-1208, mlw@niaaa.nih.gov
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