International research through networking: an old idea with new tools

The growth and refinement of electronic media capabilities, Internet, other electronic highways, fiber optics, microwaves, and satellites will have major impact on researchers and scholars, facilitating the timely sharing of information. The balance of time saved and money available may be the crucial issues in the rapidity of development. The dissemination of research results to a large audience through electronic journals, bulletin boards and data bases will become a dominant force in the formal publication of such results, with instant feedback from colleagues. The productivity of scientists and the quality of their research will be higher through better communications. Networking, however, is more than communications. It is shared interests and interaction, building on information received and provided and creating a relationship and a knowledge base to enhance international research.