van Raan AFJ, van Leeuwen TN "Assessment of the scientific basis of interdisciplinary, applied research - Application of bibliometric methods in Nutrition and Food Research" RESEARCH POLICY 31 (4): 611-632 MAY 2002

[Eugene Garfield]

Anthony van Raan : E-mail : vanraan at cwts.leidenuniv.nl

TITLE Assessment of the scientific basis of interdisciplinary, applied
research - Application of bibliometric methods in Nutrition and Food
Research
AUTHOR van Raan AFJ, van Leeuwen TN
JOURNAL RESEARCH POLICY  31 (4): 611-632 MAY 2002

Document type: Article  Language: English
Cited References: 27    Times Cited: 0


Abstract:
We present the results of a study to assess crucial aspects and the strength
of the scientific basis of atypically interdisciplinary, applied field:
Nutrition and Food Research. Our approach is based on an advanced
bibliometric analysis with novel elements to assess the influence and
dissemination of research results and to measure interdisciplinarity. In
order to adjust the contrast with 'single-disciplinary' research assessment,
we represent application-oriented research by an interdisciplinary research
profile that with a clear distinction between basic and applied research.
Application of our approach to support an international audit of the
Nutrition and Food Research Institute showed that advanced bibliometric
analysis allows assessment beyond conventional academic standards. An
important policy-relevant implication, strongly supported by the audit
committee, is that realignment of an applied research institute toward a
stronger market-orientation should not be at the expense of basic research.
Not only is basic research the cradle of future applications, it acts also
directly as an institutional visiting card for customers to show scientific
thoroughness.

A novel element is a disciplinary breakdown of knowledge dissemination by a
research institute based on a field-specific analysis of all publications
citing the work of the institute. It reveals the mutual boosting of applied
and basic research. Particularly, the analysis of publications citing
applied work can be regarded as a novel indicator for potential users of
knowledge and with that, new markets. In this context, it is important to
compare actors (e.g. countries, institutes) involved in citing publications
with those involved in the institute's international co-operation. (C) 2002
Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords:
evaluation of applied research, bibliometric analysis, knowledge
dissemination, interdisciplinary research

KeyWords Plus:
CUM LAUDE DOCTORATES, RESEARCH PERFORMANCE, CITATION ANALYSIS, IMPACT
FACTORS, INDICATORS, PHYSICS

Addresses:
van Raan AFJ, Leiden Univ, CWTS, Ctr Sci & Technol Studies, Wassenaarseweg
52,POB 9555, NL-2300 RB Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden Univ, CWTS, Ctr Sci & Technol Studies, NL-2300 RB Leiden, Netherlands

Publisher:
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, AMSTERDAM

IDS Number:
550HL

ISSN:
0048-7333
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