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The plethora and heterogeneity of data on biological processes have caused a change in approaches to data handling and processing by using high-performance computing and informatics. Infrastructures based on information and communication technology (ICT) have been developed to facilitate data management, access, and sharing of data on biological structures and processes on which systems biology is based. Although such infrastructures are essential for research and collaboration, they are often not regarded as being part of knowledge production. In contrast to this, we hypothesize that ICT infrastructures are not mere service facilities to support research activities, but enable, and restrict doing systems research at the same time. Based on a case study in systems cancer research, we argue that the understanding and modeling of biological systems is profoundly shaped by ICT and their underlying conceptualizations. In addition, individual scientists and research institutions cede the responsibilities of the activities associated with standardization, integration, and management of data. From the perspective of the sociological Actor-Network-Theory, our analysis also showed that such ICT infrastructures will become new powerful actors for knowledge production and within the knowledge-producing community of systems biology. Individual scientists and research institutions often neglect the challenges related to standardization, integration, and management of data that complicates and sometimes impedes innovation and translation of new developments into practice. This implies that standardization and integration in systems biology are as important as data generation.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17106-7_4

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