Agenda-Setting in the Human Genome Initiative

This study will undertake a sociological study of the impact of the genome initiative on the social organization and dynamics of the biological research community, including questions of collaboration, communication, and technical strategy. The study will use field research methods to follow the evolution of the technological and organizational structure of the genome project. The research will use a prospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of key participants from the scientific community, in-depth interviewing, and participant observation in carefully selected laboratories. The 'system/network' approach to technology development and the concept of scientific agenda-setting will provide the study's theoretical framework. (Co-funded with NSF)