CODATA at Mid-Life, 1981 to 1992

 

John Rumble

Information International Associates

Oak Ridge TN USA

 

            This period of years saw CODATA evolve in response to three major changes: (1) The globalization of science, (2) the explosion of technology including personal computers, database management systems, and the Internet, and (3) the emergence of data management as a responsibility of every scientist.  Each of these changes had profound impact on CODATA and its activities as will be described in some detail. At the same time, the impact of CODATA on science and technology also increased as will be discussed. Data as a new paradigm for scientific work emerged during this period, with many consequences for the future of CODATA. This paradigm shift will be illustrated with examples from CODATA conferences, meetings, and task groups.