A new, flexible look for CORDIS
CORDIS, the European Community's information space devoted to European research and development (R&D) and innovation activities, has a new look following the launch of a new homepage. The new front page aims to be more convenient for users, being resizable for different window dimensions and screen resolutions. The new page represents a move towards greater standardisation. It has been fully implemented in XHTML, with separation of content and layout based on CSS style-sheets, and is now fully resizable, based on a minimum screen definition of 800x600 pixels. As part of the simplification of the front page, the daily news and highlights no longer scroll across the screen, but remain at bottom-left and top-right respectively. A new text-only version, or site-map, is also available. The drop-down menus have also been simplified, with the aim of reducing duplication and improving user navigation. Access to information on European research and innovation programmes and policies is grouped under the three first headings: 'European Union Research Policy & Funding', which unites information on the Framework Programmes and European Research Area; 'Information Services' including News, Contacts and services devoted to themes such as nanotechnology; and 'European Innovation', providing access to the content assembled in the European Innovation Portal. The fourth menu, 'Gateway to National & Regional activities', is devoted to research and innovation programmes and policies at the national level, including services devoted to Member States, Associated and Candidate Countries, and regions. Users are invited to contribute and communicate their own information, using the 'Interactive Services' menu; whether this is a press release for CORDIS Wire, research results for dissemination via Technology Marketplace, or partner profiles to build consortia for EU projects. Users can find help in navigating CORDIS through the 'Discover CORDIS' menu, including all CORDIS help, guidance and search facilities. A user survey questionnaire will soon be available for users to send initial feedback on the new homepage to the CORDIS team.