Human Factors in Four Cases of E-Collaboration in Biomedical Research: A Qualitative Study

摘要

There are compelling arguments for using internet technologies to facilitate research in the biomedical sciences. This project sought to fill a gap in empirical studies of e-collaboration use by biomedical research teams through a study of four cases, based in the research precinct associated with one Australian university, collaborating with international researchers. Researchers were found to hold mixed beliefs and show varying degrees of systematic thinking about how, when and why e-collaboration supported their activities. It appears that researchers need assistance to conceptualise and articulate what works in order to transform their e-collaboration practices to yield increased scientific efficiency and productivity.