Open research questions in Twentieth Century Scientific Developments
70 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 336 Twentieth Century Scientific Developments papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
The paper identifies a gap in understanding the impact of Niels Bohr's message of caution on his associates. The veneration of Bohr by students of pre-World War 11 physics is a key aspect of this gap.
Future research could explore the use of conversational analysis in studying other scientific discoveries. The study suggests the need for more research on the natural accountability of scientific practices.
I.1 The Work of a Discovering Science Construed with Materials from the Optically Discovered Pulsar · 1981 · DOIThe paper identifies a gap in the understanding of scientific discovery, particularly in relation to the quiddity of discovering work. The study highlights the need for more research on the local historicity of scientific observations.
I.1 The Work of a Discovering Science Construed with Materials from the Optically Discovered Pulsar · 1981 · DOIThe paper identifies a gap in the understanding of the historical developments that led to the implantation of the quantum theory of solids at Bell Laboratories. It also highlights the need for further research on the role of freedom in research and the importance of a university-like atmosphere for the development of new theories and technologies.
The entry of the quantum theory of solids into the Bell Telephone Laboratories, 1925?40: A case-study of the industrial application of fundamental science · 1980 · DOIThe paper identifies a gap in the historical context of the National Physical Laboratory's establishment. The laboratory's early years and growth are highlighted as an area of research interest.
The origins and early years of the National Physical Laboratory: A chapter in the pre-history of British science policy · 1978 · DOIThe need for a second nuclear weapons laboratory to exploit a new approach to the hydrogen bomb. The lack of innovation in nuclear weapons design at Los Alamos.
Energy data prove to be inconsistent, unreliable or irrelevant. The paper does not provide a comprehensive analysis of all energy sources. The discussion is limited to certain assessments and conclusions on which much top-level energy thinking has begun to converge.
The feasibility of a controlled nuclear chain reaction was unknown - The concept for a self-sustaining chain reaction required that neutrons be slowed down and made to collide with uranium
The paper identifies a gap in the understanding of the growth of science in Germany and the United States. The study highlights the differences between the European and American academic systems.
The current approach to evaluating scientific research does not consider its broader impact and relation to human values. There is a need for a new approach to evaluating scientific research that considers these factors.
The paper suggests that future research should focus on understanding the real nature of the nuclear force. It also implies that research on the fundamental structure of matter is necessary.
The paper identifies a gap in our understanding of the fundamental structure of matter. It highlights the need for further research in high energy physics.
The paper suggests that future research should focus on understanding the laws of motion of societal changes. It also emphasizes the need for scientists to be aware of the impact of their work on society.
The paper identifies a gap in understanding the relationship between science and social change. It highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of this relationship.
The paper identifies a gap in our understanding of what constitutes a work of art - The author raises questions about the role of chance and skill in the creative process
The lack of a single international agency to control the destructive potential and advance the peaceful potential of atomic energy. The need for uniform rules for handling nuclear materials.
The paper identifies a gap in the historical record of the events leading up to the use of the atomic bomb. The paper aims to fill this gap by reconstructing the events before the first atomic explosion.
The gap between scientists and society is identified as a major concern. The lack of contact and consultation between individual scientists and politicians is highlighted as a problem.
The distance between scientists and the public is a grave threat to the survival of society. The lack of freedom of conscience for scientists is a problem that needs to be addressed.
The paper identifies a gap in the understanding of the risks and benefits of atomic energy. It highlights the need for careful consideration of the implications of atomic energy for humanity.
The FAS identified a gap in education and discussion on atomic energy and scientific mobilization. The organization recognized the need for international cooperation and collaboration in promoting peaceful utilization of science.
The need for hut-laboratories to work out and assess agricultural methods. The importance of applying agricultural science to the conditions of the district and kolkhoz.
The lack of mutual confidence and the creation of new barriers restricting the free flow of information between countries. The need for a new approach to international relations to prevent a disastrous competition in armaments. The difficulty of establishing an international control of the manufacture and use of powerful materials.
The lack of mutual confidence and the creation of new barriers restricting the free flow of information have increased distrust and anxiety. The negotiations within the United Nations have so far failed in securing agreement regarding measures to eliminate the dangers of atomic armament.
The need for a better understanding of the behavior of nuclear explosives. The need for the development of new materials and processes for nuclear explosives.
Most-cited papers in Twentieth Century Scientific Developments
- Science Diplomacy in the Twentieth Century: Introduction · Journal of Contemporary History · 2021 · 24 citations
- Oswald Veblen and the Capitalization of American Mathematics: Raising Money for Research, 1923-1928 · Isis · 1998 · 13 citations
- Understanding Blood and Hemoglobin: An Example of International Relations in Science · Perspectives in biology and medicine · 1986 · 11 citations
- Science and Technology for Humanity: An STS View from Singapore · East Asian Science Technology and Society An International Journal · 2021 · 9 citations
- Thomas S. Kuhn, Earwitness: Interviewing and the Making of a New History of Science · Isis · 2020 · 8 citations
- An ‘Exceedingly Delicate Undertaking’: Sino-American Science Diplomacy, 1966–78 · Journal of Contemporary History · 2020 · 7 citations
- Nuclear engineering and technology transfer: The Spanish strategies to deal with US, french and german nuclear manufacturers, 1955–1985 · Business History · 2020 · 4 citations
- Innovatory Production of Radioisotopes \(^{117m}{\mathrm {Sn}}\), \(^{186}{\mathrm {Re}}\) and \(^{188}{\mathrm {Re}}\) for Laboratory Tests and the Future Application in Nuclear Medicine · Acta Physica Polonica B · 2020 · 4 citations
- Neutron Sources in Early Stars · Acta Physica Polonica B · 2020 · 4 citations
- Cold War fostering of scientific elites: International Youth Olympiads in chemistry and physics 1967–1984 · History of Education · 2021 · 3 citations
Most recent work
- The impact of Rudi J. J. Stamm'ler on the development of the nuclear industry in Argentina · Nuclear Engineering and Design · 2026
- US–China collaboration as a catalyst for the early development of quantum physics · Nature Reviews Physics · 2026
- Towards Further Advances and Internationalization of Radiological Physics and Technology · Japanese Journal of Radiological Technology · 2026
- Alexander Marian Bradshaw · Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society · 2026
- A New World Symphony and Penn’s Peculiar Practices, 1945–1970 · Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful knowledge · 2026
- Lise Meitner (1878–1968) in Berlin – 30 Years of Research on Foundational Problems in Physics and the First Female Corresponding Member of the Berlin Academy of Sciences · AUC HISTORIA UNIVERSITATIS CAROLINAE PRAGENSIS · 2026
- Introduction to the Inaugural Issue of iCirculation · iCirculation · 2026
- On American scientific isolationism: A conversation with Dr. Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science · MIT Science Policy Review · 2026
- Remembering Professor Alessandro Belardini · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · 2026
- The Cincinnati Project · Journal of Applied Communication Research · 2025
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