DG Research launches new information service
The European Commission's Directorate General (DG) for Research has launched a new web service, the Research Information Centre. Gathering articles and stories from various editorial sources, the new website aims to provide faster access to research projects, policies and activities in Europe. All articles have been indexed under 14 main research headings to help visitors find information on a specific research topic. 'For many people, the goings on in the European Union and the Commission are a bit of a mystery,' said Michel Claessens, acting head of the communications unit at DG Research. 'What we hope to do with upgraded communication tools like the Research Information Centre is give people more insight into the research projects and priorities being supported by the Research DG.' The service is also part of the Research DG's communication strategy, which also involves competitions such as the Descartes Prizes for excellent collaborative research and scientific writing, as well as various publications on the thematic priorities of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).