The Republic of Science in the 1990s

摘要: Research councils began as channels for state patronage of science (a widespread phenomenon after World War II) and were captured by the scientists: peer review proposals, panels, board membership. In this way, they became an important organ lsquoRepublic Sciencersquo (Michael Polanyi's concept). Being awarded a grant is now reputation or status scientist money value per se: research have become part reward system science. Credibility-cycle analysis (Latour Woolgar) used to show this; then applied council itself, between State national scientific community. Current concerns about proposal success rates conservatism are analysed in terms dynamics world. This sociological approach allows changes (where lsquorelevancersquo becoming accepted criterion world-wide) complex environment councils, where many actors compete intermediary role. must also entrepreneurial-or obsolete.