Mapping Institutional Collaboration in Genomics: Data Linkage and Social Network Analysis

Wong, M. and Leng, R. (2018) Mapping Institutional Collaboration in Genomics: Data Linkage and Social Network Analysis. European Society for the History of Science Biennial Conference, London, UK, 17 Sep 2018.

Abstract

The significance of the Human Genome Project has led to a widespread view of genomics as a science practiced by a small number of factory - style sequencing centres. However, not all genomic initiatives reflect this pattern and the strategies of sequencing w ere subjected to significant transformation over time. In this paper, I will show how bibliometrics and Social Network Analysis offer a broader and more nuanced image of genomics, especially in considering the early collaborative efforts in European countr ies. I illustrate the findings of a large - scale quantitative study that analyses collaborations among international institutions in the sequencing of the human, pig and yeast genomes (c.1980 - 2015). I also outline an innovative method of mapping institution al networks by linking data from the European Nucleotide Archive, Europe PubMed Central and SCOPUS. This method helps to identify the different organisational strategies within and across each sequencing initiative, their evolution, and how the quantity, n ature and association of the European institutions had changed. The changing roles and centrality of European institutions in the global genomics network will be discussed. I will argue that the European actors are characterised by decentralised efforts an d involved diverse laboratories from various disciplines. Through this approach, one can identify several less - prominent and under - researched institutions that were involved in human, pig, and yeast genomics in Europe. I analyse their network positions and influence before and after the rise of the large - scale sequencing centres known as the ‘G5’, and suggest how and why they were involved in genomic sequencing.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wong, Dr Mark
• Authors: Wong, M., and Leng, R.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies

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