Crowdsourcing for Science and Medicine: Progress and Challenges

ISSN： 2053-2091

Source： The Journal of OncoPathology, Vol.1, Iss.2, 2013-07, pp. : 75-81

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Abstract

Science historian George Sarton declared that truth could only be determined by a group of experts, and further suggested that scientific activities should be removed as far as possible from popular control. With the advent of the Internet followed by advances in social media, data have become transparent as well as more plentiful and complex, creating significant challenges in analysis and interpretation for the scientific community. In parallel, the virtual environment has expanded the reach of science to include interested parties of all skill and knowledge levels. No longer is science the domain of experts. It is increasingly recognized that harnessing large virtual networks of human intelligence and man power can facilitate science, from funding through to execution. Crowdsourcing is an idea whose time has come, with signs of success in many areas relevant to medicine. The article describes the state of the field and illustrates the utility of crowdsourcing through specific examples.