Research in an emerging “big science” discipline: the case of neutron scattering in Spain.

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Title:	Research in an emerging “big science” discipline: the case of neutron scattering in Spain.
Authors:	González-Albo, Borja¹ borja.gonzalezalbo@cchs.csic.es, Gorria, Pedro² pgorria@uniovi.es, Bordons, María¹ maria.bordons@cchs.csic.es
Source:	Journal of Radioanalytical & Nuclear Chemistry. Jan2010, Vol. 283 Issue 1, p133-149. 17p. 1 Diagram, 13 Charts, 5 Graphs.
Subjects:	Research, Scattering (Physics), Neutrons, Spanish authors, Neutron sources
Geographic Terms:	Spain
Abstract:	Neutron scattering (NS) is a “big science” discipline whose research spans over a wide spectrum of fields, from fundamental or basic science to technological applications. The objective of this paper is to track the evolution of Spanish research in NS from a bibliometric perspective and to place it in the international context. Scientific publications of Spanish authors included in the Web of Science (WoS 1970–2006) are analysed with respect to five relevant dimensions: volume of research output, impact, disciplinary diversity, structural field features and internationalisation. NS emerges as a highly internationalised fast-growing field whose research is firmly rooted in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering, but with applications in a wide range of fields. International collaboration links -present in around 70% of the documents- and national links have largely contributed to mould the existing structure of research in the area, which evolves around major neutron scattering facilities abroad. The construction of a new European neutron source (ESS) would contribute to the consolidation of the field within the EU, since it will strengthen research and improve current activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	Neutron scattering (NS) is a “big science” discipline whose research spans over a wide spectrum of fields, from fundamental or basic science to technological applications. The objective of this paper is to track the evolution of Spanish research in NS from a bibliometric perspective and to place it in the international context. Scientific publications of Spanish authors included in the Web of Science (WoS 1970–2006) are analysed with respect to five relevant dimensions: volume of research output, impact, disciplinary diversity, structural field features and internationalisation. NS emerges as a highly internationalised fast-growing field whose research is firmly rooted in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering, but with applications in a wide range of fields. International collaboration links -present in around 70% of the documents- and national links have largely contributed to mould the existing structure of research in the area, which evolves around major neutron scattering facilities abroad. The construction of a new European neutron source (ESS) would contribute to the consolidation of the field within the EU, since it will strengthen research and improve current activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	02365731
DOI:	10.1007/s10967-009-0132-5