eReSS Wiki

"Context - the circumstances or settings which determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event" (Wiktionary)

When it comes to implementing any new technical solution it is always valuable to understand how others have managed this already. This is particularly the case with standards and specifications: an incorrect implementation can prevent the interoperability that the standard is intended to provide. Quite often it is the implementation of a related technology that is the focus, for example the implementation of a uPortal instance, and being able to get assistance from those who have already addressed many of the issues involved can save time and effort.

The eReSS study commenced as the first phase of the JISC's VRE Programme draws to a close, having gathered a large body of experience already on the use of standards and technologies in the development of interoperable VREs. The eReSS wiki provides background information on these and other relevant projects to help users build a picture of usage in the VRE and other domains.

• VRE 1 projects
• Other JISC projects
• Other eResearch projects
• Related activity

The 15 VRE 1 projects were deliberately selected to explore a wide range of circumstances that a Virtual Research Environment might support. They cover subjects as far ranging as medicine, educational research, humantities, integrative biology, history, and archaeology, as well as addressing the many different aspects of research practice. They will form the platform on which VRE 2 projects can build.

Although there are specific aspects of research that are only being covered in the VRE Programme, many are common to other JISC projects, and it is important that such experience is taken on board. Technical solutions for information management and/or e-learning can also have applicability in eResearch and this section will highlight those of most use.

Looking beyond the JISC stable, eResearch is rapidly developing as a global activity, especially where the use of grid applications is involved. Work within the US National Science Foundation and other eResearch projects and bodies, both in the UK and abroad, will be of relevance to VRE development and enable international interoperability to support research across national boundaries.

Notwithstanding the structures within which much VRE and eResearch development is taking place, there is also a need to monitor related activity to identify ideas and practices that may be of use.