myExperiment: social networking for workflow-using e-scientists

Abstract

We present the Taverna workflow workbench and argue that scientific workflow environments need a rich ecosystem of tools that support the scientists. experimental lifecycle. Workflows are scientific objects in their own right, to be exchanged and reused. myExperiment is a new initiative to create a social networking environment for workflow workers. We present the motivation for myExperiment and sketch the proposed capabilities and challenges. We argue that actively engaging with a scientist's needs, fears and reward incentives is crucial for success.