The process of large-scale collaborative research is not well understood by historians, sociologists and other scholars. Nor do scientists, research administrators and the public possess any of the systematic analysis of this centrally important activity. Under this grant, Ms. Warnow is continuing her study of the problems of documenting the history of large collaborations in physics and allied sciences. Currently their administrative and intellectual records are widely dispersed and often discarded. Until the documentation has been secured it will be impossible for scholars to study the collaborative research project. Under her prior grants, Ms. Warnow has studied the patterns of team formation, funding, communication, delegation of responsibility, and publication, as well as the creation and retention of records in the area of high energy physics. Under this grant, Ms. Warnow is trying to determine how far insights from high energy physics extend to other fields of science. Specifically, she is undertaking a two year study of space science and geophysics. She is directing a group of researchers who will (1) conduct a computerized statistical census of a large number of collaborations, (2) interview some 150-200 members of a selected sample of collaborations involving satellites, planetary spacecraft, oceanographic expeditions, and other system for data-gathering (drill holes and seismic networks and arrays), and (3) conduct detailed historical probes of a few especially important cases. The aim is to identify patterns of collaboration, define the documentation problems, field-test possible solutions to these problems, and recommend actions to facilitate future scholarly study. The PI and other AIP staff will be joined by archivists, historians, and sociologists; distinguished scientists, administrators, and other specialists are serving as advisors on the project.
