The meaning of 'transformative research'

April 4, 2012 | Authors: Dr. Robert Frodeman, Professor & Director of CSID University of North Texas and Dr. James Britt Holbrook, Assistant Professor, University of North Texas

In early March a two-day workshop was held at the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquarters on the meaning of 'transformative research'. The term encapsulates an increasingly central question across both U.S. and foreign science agencies: in a hyper-competitive global economy, with pressing challenges in many areas (energy, food, water, disease, etc.), how can we do a better job of picking research projects that are true game changers? In terms of NSF, the question is often put in terms of funding transformative research (TR).

Join AAAS. Get instant access to Science and a global community of people who value science.

Already a member? Sign in

Instantly Access Science

As a subscriber you’ll get a year’s worth of Science delivered to your door (print copy) or your email inbox (digital copy). Each week, for the next 51 weeks, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest news, reviews, research, and opinion from across the sciences. Online, you can browse the Science archives, with articles dating back to 1880, get access to important new articles before they appear in print, and read on the go via the Science mobile site and apps for iOS and Android devices.

Develop Your Career

As a member you will enjoy access to career development tools and information including the AAAS Career Webinar series. Focusing on topics that are vital for anyone pursuing, or thinking of pursuing, a career related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics these events are designed to help you further your career. Featuring real-world insights, and thoughtful advice from seasoned professionals, each webinar covers an important aspect of career development in great detail.

Support the Sciences

As a member you’ll feel good knowing that you’re supporting programs and initiatives that provide a voice for all of the sciences, and all scientists, everywhere. From, our recent report, "What We Know," offering a much-needed, publicly accessible overview of climate-change science, to our Speak Up for Science petition efforts in the face of sequestration, AAAS is at working to promote the value of science in the halls of government, and in the public commons, like never before.

Search

Capitol Connection