Advancing digital science

Using computers for science

Description

Advancing digital science involves developing and deploying innovative digital tools, data infrastructures, and computational methods to accelerate scientific discovery and problem-solving. This strategy addresses barriers such as fragmented data, limited access to resources, and inefficient collaboration by promoting open data sharing, interoperable platforms, and digital literacy. Its practical intent is to enhance research efficiency, foster global scientific cooperation, and enable rapid, evidence-based responses to complex societal and environmental challenges.

Context

Recognition of advancing digital science emerged in the late twentieth century as networked computing, electronic publishing and large-scale data began reshaping scientific communication and collaboration. During the 2000s, open-access initiatives, cyberinfrastructure and high-performance computing demonstrated its global significance, while genome sequencing and digitally enabled experimentation illustrated new research possibilities. Subsequent attention has emphasized reproducibility, interoperable data, research software and equitable access, reflecting a broader understanding of digital capability as central to scientific progress.

Claim

"Doing science" on computers -- digital science -- marks the most fundamental change in scientific methodology since Isaac Newtons's groundwork 350 years ago. In the near future, supercomputers will be used to digitally model how electrons, protons, and neutrons can be combined to form new substances, such as drugs, polymers and metals.

Counter-claim

“Advancing digital science” is vastly overrated as a strategic priority. It diverts attention and funding from urgent needs such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection. More technology does not automatically mean more progress; it can deepen inequality, erode privacy, and replace sound judgment with blind faith in innovation. Policymakers should stop treating digital expansion as a cure-all and focus instead on practical, human-centered solutions that deliver measurable public benefit.