# Actor Types in Scientific Research

In the ontology of scientific research, actor types are defined as the various entities that participate in, contribute to, and influence the ecosystem of scientific inquiry and knowledge dissemination. These actors play critical roles in the processes that drive research from conception through to application. The following table outlines these actor types, providing a description and examples to illustrate the diversity within each category.

## Actor Types Overview

| Actor Type            | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Examples                                                                                                                                                         |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Researchers/Teams     | Individuals or groups engaged in scientific research activities. They conduct experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and participate in peer review.                                                  | - University faculty members<br>- Corporate R&D teams<br>- Independent researchers                                                                               |
| Research Disciplines  | Fields of study characterized by common methodologies, theories, and knowledge. Each discipline typically has its own canon, publications, conferences, and credentials.                                    | - Biomedical science<br>- Computational linguistics<br>- Environmental science                                                                                   |
| Journals              | Periodical publications that administer peer review, publish research articles, and distribute scholarly work.                                                                                              | - Nature<br>- The Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research<br>- Environmental Science & Technology                                                             |
| Grant Programs        | Initiatives that secure funding, define research topics, assess proposals, and allocate funds. They are accountable for achieving outcomes aligned with their mission.                                       | - National Science Foundation (NSF) grant programs<br>- European Research Council (ERC) grant programs<br>- Corporate-sponsored research grant programs                                   |
| Research Institutions | Organizations that provide support, facilities, and equipment for research. They receive accreditation and facilitate interfaces to implementers.                                                          | - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)<br>- Max Planck Society<br>- Industrial research labs                                                              |
| Funding Institution   | Entities responsible for the appropriation of funds to support research. These can include governments, corporations, or decentralized networks.                                                           | - Government departments (e.g., Department of Energy)<br>- Philanthropic foundations (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)<br>- Corporate research funds       |
| Oversight Institution | Bodies such as review boards that provide ethical oversight for research projects, ensuring adherence to standards.                                                                                        | - Institutional Review Board (IRB)<br>- Animal Ethics Committee<br>- Data Protection Review Boards                                                                |
| Application Institution | Entities that are the beneficiaries of operationalized research, applying findings to practical applications or implementations. | - Technology startups using university research<br>- Healthcare systems implementing new treatments<br>- Government agencies adopting new environmental policies |

## Note to Readers

This overview is intended to provide a foundational understanding of the various actor types within the scientific research ontology. Each actor type represents a broad category that can encompass a diverse range of entities with different focuses, structures, and goals. Future expansions of this ontology may include detailed markdown files for each actor type, offering deeper insights into their roles, interactions, and impact on the research ecosystem.

We invite contributions to enrich this ontology. If you have suggestions for refining the descriptions, adding examples, or detailing specific actors in their own markdown files, please feel free to contribute to this repository.