Data Journeys in the Sciences - Comparative Study of Research Data

In this review of Data Journeys in the Sciences the bottom line is straightforward: this open access volume is essential for researchers and scholars who need a rigorous, comparative account of how data travel across contexts and shape knowledge. The editors frame multiple case studies that trace the movement of data from origination to reuse, making the book valuable for those studying data governance, interdisciplinary reuse, or the sociology of scientific evidence. Its chief strength is a sustained, empirical focus on the consequences of data mobility for evidence and knowledge production.

Key Features

• Comparative case studies: The book compares data practices across several fields to reveal common patterns and differences in how data are moved and repurposed.
• Interdisciplinary perspective: Contributions from philosophy, history and social studies of science provide multiple lenses on the same phenomena, enriching interpretation.
• Focus on data travel: Detailed analyses of data journeys show how movement across spaces and times changes the evidential status of data.
• Open access: Being openly available increases accessibility for students and researchers who need direct access to case material and argumentation.
• Practical implications: The volume documents opportunities and challenges for integrating and reusing data, informing practice in data-intensive research.

Who It's For

Data Journeys in the Sciences is best for graduate students, researchers and policy scholars interested in data practices, data governance, or the philosophy and history of science. It supports those developing data management strategies or studying how data become evidence across disciplinary boundaries.

Those seeking a technical manual for data engineering or step-by-step computational workflows should look elsewhere; this volume emphasizes conceptual analysis and empirical case studies rather than practical coding or software documentation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers a clear, comparative framework for understanding how data move and change significance across contexts.
• Brings together disciplinary perspectives that deepen insight into data reuse and integration.
• Open access format widens availability for teaching and research.

Cons

• Not a how-to technical guide for software or data pipelines, so readers expecting practical toolkits may find it too conceptual.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Data Journeys in the Sciences is a well-constructed, evidence-rich collection that should be purchased or accessed by scholars and advanced students who want conceptual clarity about data mobility and its epistemic effects. Its open access nature and interdisciplinary essays make it strong value for teaching and research, even though it does not serve as a practical technical guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book freely available?
Yes, the volume is described as open access, which increases accessibility for readers and instructors.

What is the primary focus of the essays?
The essays trace specific cases of data journeys to show how movement across sites and times affects data as evidence and the resulting knowledge.

Who edited the volume?
The book is edited by Sabina Leonelli and Niccolo Tempini, who assemble interdisciplinary contributions on data practices.