# Subprocesses in Scientific Research

Subprocesses in the ontology of scientific research represent the various actions, methodologies, and procedures that are fundamental to conducting, disseminating, and applying scientific knowledge. These subprocesses encapsulate the essential steps and stages through which research data and findings are generated, validated, shared, and utilized. The following table provides an overview of these subprocesses, including a description and examples to illustrate their application and importance.

## Subprocesses Overview

| Subprocess           | Description                                                                                                                                                         | Examples                                                                                   |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Peer Review          | A critical evaluation process where experts in the same field review each other's work for quality, relevance, and accuracy.                                       | - Manuscript review for journal publication<br>- Grant proposal evaluation                |
| Publication          | The process of curating, consolidating, and formatting research for distribution and reference in scientific journals or platforms.                               | - Journal articles<br>- Conference proceedings<br>- Books and monographs                   |
| Citation             | The practice of acknowledging and referencing works used or referenced in one's research.                                                                          | - Bibliographies<br>- In-text citations in academic papers                                  |
| Replication          | The attempt to reproduce the results of a study using the same methods or data to verify its findings.                                                             | - Independent verification of experimental results<br>- Reproduction studies                |
| Presentation         | Sharing ongoing work or findings with peers to solicit feedback, exchange ideas, and build relationships.                                                          | - Conference presentations<br>- Departmental seminars                                       |
| Canonization         | The process by which consensus in the scientific community establishes certain concepts, theories, or methodologies as standard.                                  | - Adoption of a new theory as standard in textbooks<br>- Consensus guidelines in medicine   |
| Operationalization   | Translating research findings into practical applications or implementations, bridging theory and practice.                                                        | - Development of new technologies<br>- Creation of policy based on research findings        |
| Accreditation        | The process by which institutions are recognized for meeting certain standards of quality and integrity.                                                           | - University accreditation<br>- Lab certification                                           |
| Credentialing        | Granting of credentials to individuals or entities based on their qualifications, expertise, and contributions.                                                   | - Professional certifications<br>- Academic degrees                                        |
| Assessment           | Evaluating the current state of research and the potential benefits of new projects or initiatives.                                                                | - Review of research impact<br>- Strategic planning for research directions                |
| Planning             | Developing detailed programs and strategies to address specific scientific questions or challenges.                                                                | - Research project proposals<br>- Strategic research agendas                                |
| Appropriations       | Securing financial resources to fund research programs and initiatives.                                                                                            | - Government research funding<br>- Private sector investment                                |
| Procurement          | The process of obtaining the necessary equipment, materials, or services required for conducting research.                                                         | - Acquisition of lab equipment<br>- Contracting research services                           |
| Production           | Engaging in the daily tasks associated with scientific research, including experimentation, data collection, and analysis.                                        | - Laboratory experiments<br>- Fieldwork                                                    |
| Documentation        | Capturing and recording methods, practices, data, and results generated during research activities to ensure transparency and reproducibility.                   | - Lab notebooks<br>- Research databases and repositories                                    |
| Ethical Oversight    | Ensuring that research projects adhere to ethical standards and practices, including the treatment of subjects and data privacy.                                  | - Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals<br>- Ethics committee reviews                  |
| Affiliation          | The formation of relationships between researchers and institutions to provide support infrastructure, including access to technology and tools.                   | - Researcher affiliation with universities<br>- Collaborative agreements between labs and institutions |

## Note to Readers

This document is designed to serve as an introductory overview of the key subprocesses involved in scientific research. Each subprocess is critical to the integrity, progression, and impact of scientific inquiry. As the ontology expands, we anticipate adding detailed markdown files for each subprocess to delve into specifics, methodologies, and case studies.

Contributions to expand on these subprocesses, refine their descriptions, or add examples are highly encouraged. If you have insights, additional subprocesses to consider, or wish to contribute to the development of subprocess-specific documentation, please engage with this repository.