From insularity to connectivity: trends in scientific and humanistic research

In recent decades the world has experienced a number of changes that have affected the way society undertakes activities, ranging from everyday household chores to cutting-edge scientific research. Much is due to advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs), and in particular to the current ease with which we communicate and interact with institutions, using tools such as online banks, or in our worldwide professional or social relationships using computer programs that allow text, voice and video communications by Internet, in real or deferred time.