From 'Individual Scientist' to 'Integrated Scientist': The Evolution of Scientific Organizational panels and Their Impact on the Scientific System

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the historical shift from individual scientists to integrated scientists in scientific research, highlighting changes in organizational structure, collaboration, and recognition systems, with implications for modern science governance.

Contribution

It introduces the concepts of 'individual scientist' and 'integrated scientist' to explain the evolution of scientific research organization and its impact on scientific recognition and governance.

Findings

Transition from individual to integrated scientists driven by 'big science'

Hierarchical team structures replaced independent research panels

Recognition shifted from individuals to team leaders

Abstract

This article aims to propose and elucidate the analytical concepts of "individual scientist" and "integrated scientist" to depict the fundamental transformation in the modes of scientific research actors throughout the history of science. The "individual scientist" represents an early modern scientific research panel characterized by independence, egalitarian collaboration, and personal recognition, while the "integrated scientist" emerged in the context of "big science," marked by hierarchical teams, division of labor, collaboration, and the concentration of recognition on team leaders. Through historical review and case analysis, this article explores the underlying drivers of this transformation and focuses on its challenges and reconstructions concerning the name-based scientific reward system, aiming to provide a reflective perspective for contemporary scientific governance and research evaluation.