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Linking big: the continuing promise of evolutionary synthesis
Brian Sidlauskas1, Ganeshkumar Ganapathy, Einat Hazkani-Covo
1National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, Suite A200, 2024 West Main Street, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA. brian.sidlauskas@oregonstate.edu
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Synthetic science offers new insights from existing data but faces challenges. Overcoming these barriers, including technological and cultural hurdles, is key to advancing evolutionary biology through productive synthetic research.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Synthetic science
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Synthetic science enables novel discoveries from existing data and methods.
- Pursuing synthesis presents significant challenges and risks.
- The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center has experience in synthetic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define synthetic science and its importance in evolutionary biology.
- To identify and address barriers hindering synthetic research.
- To provide a roadmap for productive engagement in synthetic research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of experiences from biologists, informaticians, and educators.
- Conceptual framework development for synthetic science.
- Identification of technological and cultural impediments.
Main Results:
- Synthesis can yield major scientific insights.
- Technological hurdles and academic culture impede synthetic progress.
- Confusion regarding the nature of synthesis is a barrier.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic science is crucial for future progress in evolutionary biology.
- Removing barriers will foster greater participation in synthetic research.
- A clear understanding and strategic approach are needed for successful synthetic endeavors.
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