2collab, the research collaboration platform from STM publisher Elsevier, Netherlands, has announced the results of a survey, asking researchers about the role of social media in their professional lives. The survey, which yielded over 1,800 responses, revealed that scientists are using blogs, wikis, and social networking and bookmarking applications primarily for professional reasons. Results show that these social media applications have provided scientists and researchers with additional resources to help them collaborate, connect, share and discover information.
2collab surveyed science, medical and technical information professionals working in academia and government institutions to establish exactly what influence new web applications are having on the way scientific research is conducted. Over 50 percent of respondents see web-based social applications playing a key role in shaping the future of research. The largest influence will be on critical analysis and evaluation of research data, professional networking and collaboration, dissemination of research output, career development, as well as grant application and funding.
Results show that many researchers believe social applications will have a major influence on the future of research. Comments from survey respondents identified several issues that need to be addressed before mass acceptance by the research community is possible - namely the need for specialist tools, higher security, and validation of users. However, these concerns were not seen as insurmountable obstacles, and many anticipated tremendous potential for social media.
