Science maps for exploration, navigation, and reflection-A graphic approach to strategic thinking

Area of Science:

• Bibliometrics and scientometrics
• Research evaluation and policy
• Scientific communication

Background:

• The rapid growth of scientific publications necessitates tools for understanding complex research landscapes.
• Existing methods for overviewing science are insufficient for researchers, managers, and the public.
• Science mapping offers a visual approach to navigate and analyze evolving research fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the practical application of topical scientific reference maps for understanding dynamic research landscapes.
• To utilize science maps for facilitating strategic thinking in research.
• To analyze the research domain of biology at Aarhus University as a case study.

Main Methods:

• Extracted 6,830 scientific papers from permanent biology staff at Aarhus University.
• Created a semantic cognitive map using co-word analysis of keywords and keyword phrases.
• Developed a Python workflow for data retrieval, map generation, and visualization of topics, papers, journals, researchers, and groups.

Main Results:

• Generated intelligible research maps revealing new insights into the research community's structure.
• Enabled comparison of researchers and groups to identify differences, similarities, overlaps, and gaps.
• Visualized the relationships and connections within the research landscape.

Conclusions:

• Science mapping provides valuable alternative views to traditional bibliometric data.
• These maps support both top-down and bottom-up research strategy development.
• The approach can strengthen strategic thinking, boost creativity, and contribute to scientific progress.