FRIP

Need

Develop a system that helps university researchers find other researchers with similar interests, or complementary interests. One application is for simple networking so that researchers can be aware of other research in their areas. Another application is for researchers to find potential teaming partners for grant proposals that are broader than their specific specialties.

Idea

The solution is a three screen solution. The search screen gives the users observability into how the search algorithm is determining “match.” The Medical Term indexing scheme MeSH was used to show related words so that the users can choose to broaden or narrow their search based on medically related terms. The relationships of the terms are shown as a longshot in the tree, and one search term can fit in many nodes of the tree. The user is able to select which instance(s) of the term are most appropriate for their needs. Once the user tailors the search algorithm to their needs, the faculty matches are shown on the results screen.

Benefit

Because there are many terms that could relate to the same medical area, a more fundamental representation was needed to help users of the system “search” in a more fundamental and useful way. This search screen was designed to ensure that users of the system do not get lost or left behind in semantics, and that they are able to find other researchers in a more fundamental and domain relevant way.