MEPs grasp opportunity to learn about CORDIS Members of the European Parliament's Research Committee were treated to a presentation of CORDIS, the European Community's Research and Development Information Service, at a recent meeting in Brussels. Whilst aware of CORDIS, many had not previously had the opportunity to see ... Members of the European Parliament's Research Committee were treated to a presentation of CORDIS, the European Community's Research and Development Information Service, at a recent meeting in Brussels. Whilst aware of CORDIS, many had not previously had the opportunity to see the range of services offered by CORDIS and to see the latest developments in the fast-moving service. The CORDIS service was presented to the Committee by Dr. Giulio Grata, Director of the INNOVATION programme, within which CORDIS is run. Demonstrating the various facilities available on CORDIS, Dr. Grata outlined to the Members the different uses which can be made of CORDIS. Examples of the services shown to MEPs include the News service, available in five languages and updated daily; the programme homepages, providing dedicated information on each of the specific programmes; the new Technology Offers service, which aims to encourage technology transfer; RAPIDUS which brings users new information directly by e-mail; and the INNOVATION pages, providing details of EU activities to encourage the dissemination and exploitation of research results. A number of services focused on policy developments were also presented, including the Fifth Framework Focus which provides details of the development of the new Framework Programme; and the UK Presidency RTD Information Service, providing details of the development of EU research policy under the UK Presidency of the Council in the first half of 1998. Other newly established services shown to MEPs included the new Member State Services currently being developed, and the regional services, of which there are now five. Dr. Grata closed his presentation with some thoughts on how CORDIS and the Parliament could develop closer cooperation. This theme was taken up by MEPs in the discussions afterwards, with some considering how CORDIS could publicise discussions in the Committee. Others called for training to be made available, to help them and their staff make the most of the wealth of material contained in CORDIS.
