Knowledge Network for Authoring,Reviewing,Editing,Searching,and Using Scientific or Other Credible Information

Abstract Video

The existing paradigm of the scientific literature—individual authoring and editing, parallel review, a format that allows only reading—has not changed in over a century. The barriers to authorship, use, and the creation of scientific works are significant. We developed a new literature format based on an interactive network to address the needs of all parties, from author to user. We began by structuring the writing of text and data for a discipline's needs. Five report types were created, with menus for specific terms and data to allow online, simultaneous, multiauthor writing and editing. A new measurable peer-review process was created. Users can ask questions of reports, and data from multiple reports can be combined. A topic search is associated with automated research tools. We built a prototype that was built and refined based on continuous feedback from surveys, expert panels, presentations, and other feedback mechanisms. In continuous development, the free network World Science (www.world-sci.com) was launched for global beta testing in April 2011, and is now used worldwide. Reports have been written, reviewed, and published within the network or in other journals. Data collected from use and user feedback continue to refine the model. Using methods of metadata storage and analysis, we created a new format for the literature from the front end, modifying creation to use that is efficient and powerful. Because scientific writing is taught during use, the network is being adopted for teaching. We believe that this format will radically alter the creation and use of credible knowledge for the benefit of society. The technology is disruptive to the current publication model and creates new learning, research, and professional opportunities.