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From: Repositories discussion list [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kuil, van der Annemiek [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 10 April 2010 16:38
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Subject: Collaboratories effective in collaborative research
Collaboratories effective in collaborative research
Report provides solid basis for facilitating virtual collaboration environments.
Utrecht, 9 April 2010 - Researchers are making increasing use of virtual working environments. Collaborating digitally in this way assists them with their research, especially as regards sharing sources and collaborating on a publication. Virtual collaboration environments - "collaboratories" - promote excellence and efficiency in research, allowing research groups to solve problems jointly that go beyond the capacity of the individual researchers.
Experience gained
In recent years, SURFfoundation<http://www.surffoundation.nl/en/themas/openonderzoek/collaboratories/Pages/default.aspx> and SURFnet<http://www.surfnet.nl/en/Pages/default.aspx> have explored the possibilities and gathered experiences with working with online collaboratories. The experience gained during a number of projects involving researchers - with a variety of systems and a number of disciplines - have been examined closely and have resulted in a final report.
Solid basis
The report Collaboratories: Connecting Researchers<http://www.surffoundation.nl/en/publicaties/Pages/RapportCollaboratories.aspx> compares eight software systems, evaluates the experience gained in twelve Dutch projects, and gives an overview of international trends. The report provides a more solid basis for providing facilities for the research community. It offers insights into the selection, construction, and use of online research collaboratories.
The study shows that setting up a collaboratory involves more than merely developing and implementing a software program. The report refers not only to technical but also organisational, cultural, and social aspects of collaboratories.
Varying requirements
In practice, it turns out that dedicated, qualified support for a collaboratory is a factor in its success; examples that work are highly encouraging; and different research groups need different tools. Researchers from different disciplines have varying requirements as regards collaboration: there is no "one size fits all" solution. The number and diversity of collaboration tools that are used in the various scientific and scholarly disciplines are enormous, and the possibilities are therefore hard to comprehend. Researchers find it hard to see the wood for the trees.
Overview of collaboration tools
In the course of 2010, SURFfoundation and SURFnet intend using their expertise to provide an overview of the available collaboration tools, giving descriptions, application possibilities, and examples. This will enable researchers to select the tools that will be of greatest use to them in their research. In addition to providing this overview, SURFfoundation will also offer assistance in other ways to help institutions and research groups select and set up a collaboratory.
About SURF
SURF unites the Dutch research universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutions in creating pioneering ICT innovations, thereby enabling them to make the best possible use of the opportunities afforded by ICT and to excel in their education and research efforts. SURF consists of three organisations: SURFfoundation, SURFnet and SURFdiensten.
Kind regards,
Annemiek van der Kuil
Annemiek van der Kuil | projectmanager SURFshare | ICT & Research | SURFfoundation | Graadt van Roggenweg 340 | P.O.Box 2290 | 3500 GG Utrecht | T + 31 30 234 66 42 | E [log in to unmask]<blocked::mailto:[log in to unmask]> W www.surffoundation.nl/SURFshare<blocked::http://www.surffoundation.nl/SURFshare>
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