Monitoring information science research calls: an approach to digital humanities

Abstract

This paper discusses a study dedicated to monitoring research calls in the field of Information Science (IS), with a focus on Digital Humanities. This approach emerged as an integral part of the project "Articulation and Communication in Science and Technology (S&T): Subproject 01 - Research", linked to the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (Ibict), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), Brazil. In line with the contemplated objective of the project, the purpose of the study is to develop an effective tool for prospecting, monitoring and controlling the main metadata of Calls for Proposals in force in the country. This tool aims to identify emerging trends and demands to support studies and projects aligned with the needs of Brazilian society, thus contributing to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 17, which focuses on partnerships and means of implementation to promote innovation in digital contexts. The methodology is characterized by a practical and descriptive nature, with the object of study being equivalent to the calls for proposals to be identified and monitored within the universe of scientific research in the field of CI. The sample includes calls for research funding for national and international institutions, through support for scientific projects and scholarship funding. The data collection technique includes the categorization of information into four analytical categories and the use of Excel spreadsheets to facilitate the monitoring and analysis of trends through the corpora's sorting variables. Preliminary results highlight the effectiveness of this monitoring in identifying priorities such as big data analysis, digital preservation, digital research ethics and interdisciplinary collaboration. Preliminary conclusions indicate that monitoring research calls provides valuable information for preparing research proposals and seeking funding, identifying opportunities aligned with the emerging demands of society and promoting collaborations between scientific disciplines and different social groups. The next stages of the research include expanding the scope of the search sources in the alert system, based on the collection methods and results obtained so far. It is also planned to continue improving the system's automatic prospecting strategies. With regard to terminology, it is crucial to emphasize the commitment to ongoing research that functions as an observatory of the language of representation of emerging domains, such as Digital Humanities. Given the constant growth and evolution of concepts in this area, it is essential to constantly monitor and evaluate the terms used to represent the domain, in order to guarantee effective information retrieval in innovative scenarios where terminology can vary widely. In addition, the intention is to offer a Selective Dissemination of Information (DSI) service aimed at information professionals, and to develop a mobile application with advanced technological resources, with the aim of improving both the accessibility and usability of the data. It is believed that these analyses will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the demands of the Digital Humanities and, consequently, promote high-quality research in this constantly evolving area.