A Semantic Grid for Social Science
Organisers
Dr Pete Edwards & Dr Alun Preece, University of Aberdeen, UK
Summary
The Semantic Grid (De Roure et al., 2001) annotates the Grid with metadata describing the resources it makes available, just as the Semantic Web does with the Web. Through provision of ontological support to the Grid, we have the potential to create a searchable, reusable resource that is understandable by (and accessible to) a wider community. This workshop will focus on the many challenges faced by the social science community to realise this vision. These include (but are not restricted to):
- tools to facilitate knowledge capture and creation of ontologies;
- specific domain ontologies and their application (e.g. for social simulation);
- mechanisms for capturing provenance/information quality data;
- usability issues;
- ontologies for describing esocial science services;
- ontology alignment/mapping;
- social science workflow issues;
- ontology support for scientific collaboration ;
- ontologies and tools for mapping scientific discourse.
The ESRC funded pilot demonstrator project FEARLUS-G has already demonstrated that it is possible, through the use of Semantic Web technologies (such as OWL, RDF), to create an environment in which an existing simulation tool can be embedded within a much richer collaboration environment. FEARLUS-G supported annotation of simulation parameter files and results, as well as sharing and re-use of such resources to facilitate collaborative working; the project also highlighted the important role of arguments in capturing shared scientific discourse.
Intended Audience
This workshop is intended for social scientists from all disciplines who are interested in learning about the potential for Semantic Web technologies in the context of social science and the Grid, and in contributing to the shaping of the e-social science Semantic Grid.