International Research Information System: Support to Science Management

Abstract

In response to the ever increasing complexity of international scientific networking, the Dutch Government through NWO, The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, has taken the initiative to develop a global information system for Research Councils with the working title IRIS (International Research Information System). Most Research Councils consider finding referees a frustrating and time-consuming process. Too often major resources are spent on maintaining websites, indexing research proposals, trying to find the perfect referee, and evaluating researchers and research institutes. Science Managers should ideally have access to information about referees from any country or discipline in the most effective way possible. This paper describes the pilot phase of the IRIS project, aimed at the construction and set up of an International System to share reviewers.