Abstract of presentation given at the 2009 ANZCA conference in Brisbane, Australia.

This presentation explores concepts from the General Theory of Scientific/Intellectual Movements (Frickel & Gross, 2005) in relation to extension of scientific communication by use of online research tools in the life sciences. It supplements Frickel and Gross’s work by claiming that online methods of communication open up the possibility of faster and more extensive agreement and support for new ideas and techniques.This may also result in a reduced need for rebellion against established gatekeepers such as senior scientists, grant-awarding bodies and journal editors by providing a new, efficient and widespread method of dissemination of an “individual’s or group’s thoughts and research findings” (Frickel & Gross, 2005, p. 214).Scientists do not consider informal dissemination and discussion on the Internet a substitute for the circulation of formal journal articles. However, online dialogue does in fact modify the ensuing formal print products by facilitating refinement of research results in advance of publication through open consultation with peers. Data from interviews with working scientists and observations of laboratory and Web 2.0 sites supports the argument.

Frickel, S. & Gross, N. (2005). A general theory of scientific/intellectual movements. American Sociological Review, 70, (204-232)