Scientific norms as (dis)integrators of scientists?

Using the Mertonian ethos of science as the point of departure this paper discusses the norms of science in the light of the rapid changes which are taking place in contemporary research (e.g. described by Gibbons et al. (1994) and by Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff (2000). In conclusion, the paper attempts to relate the discussion about scientific norms to the discussions about research management and research policy and provides some examples from Denmark illustrating that Danish academic institutions are undergoing significant changes, which increasingly make their conditions resemble those of research institutions outside the academic sector.