The result of ”Science Map 2010 and Science Map 2012 -Study on Hot Research Areas (2005-2010 and 2007-2011) by bibliometric method-”

Science Map is a map of science that shows mutual relation among research areas in which active research is being conducted. NISTEP periodically has been publishing a series of Science Map since 2003. The map is generated by the clustering of top 1% highly cited papers via the co-citation analysis and by the mapping of the research areas on the two-dimensional space.

This report shows results of Science Map 2010 and Science Map 2012 and discussed time series changes of Science Maps since 2002. Trends of inter-/multi- disciplinary research, international co-authorship, and share of Japan and other major countries are analyzed.

In the Science Map 2012, we proposed a new concept of Sci-GEO chart which aims to classify research areas in terms of continuity of research areas and cognitive linkage among other research areas. We applied the Sci-GEO chart to Science Maps 2002 – 2012, and found that small island type research areas, having no continuity from the previous Science Map and showing weak cognitive linkage with other research, account for about 40% of all research areas and continent type research areas, having continuity from the previous Science Map and showing strong cognitive linkage with other research, accounts for about 20% of all research areas.