The European Commission website for Community Research and Development Information, CORDIS, has launched a new search tool which intended to facilitate the search and access to all the contents of the web. This search tool will continue to be upgraded during the beta phase introducing new features which will include the opinions and suggestions made by users of the service.

After several years of functioning, the Community Research and Development Information Service website CORDIS, has gathered thousands of records on Framework Research Programmes launched by the European Union such as 4th Framework Programme (FP4), 5th Framework Programme (FP5), 6th Framework Programme (FP6), 7th Framework Programme (FP7), Euratom.

The aim of the new beta CORDIS Search Service focuses in facilitating users the possibility to retrieve data more efficiently and smoothly. They will be able to navigate seamlessly between the various categories of content available in CORDIS and to identify related items which could be relevant. The new search tool is fast and effective, offering a range of services that help CORDIS stakeholders drill down to information with less fuss than ever before. It will also help users discover CORDIS content more easily and find out what CORDIS can offer.

The new beta service is designed to be both intuitive and user-centric. It features simple open field searching on key words, as well as a variety of filtering options.

For most people, the 'search-and-go' approach will be the fastest and easiest way to find information about European research. But for some who are more familiar with European research and development R&D programmes and activities, there are many options for narrowing down the search. Users get the option of refining their search by a range of criteria including 'subject' and 'document type'.

Another feature of the new search tool is the possibility to define RSS feeds from any search query. This means users can customise their RSS feeds to receive only the information they are interested in. This feature will be particularly relevant for webmasters who would like to relay targeted information from CORDIS to their own website. When the notification service is fully operational early in 2011, it will also supply the user with automatic notice of the latest updates matching their interests.

The maps and locators function also draws on the latest developments in search and geolocation. When looking for a partner, a project or a research result, CORDIS will display their location on a map.

Users can contribute to enhance new beta CORDIS Search tool

Throughout the beta phase of the launch new features will continue to be developed, for what regular upgrades of the service are envisaged, delivering new features and meeting user demands and suggestions. To help with this process, the CORDIS development team is encouraging users to send their feedback answering to the on-line Questionnaire on the New CORDIS Search Service.