A new database of researchers based in the Highlands and Islands could lead to more cutting edge studies being carried out in the area - providing more employment and boosting the value of the area's contribution to the national economy.

The Highlands and Islands already have a very strong track record of research and academic excellence. Institutions such as the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, and the Highland Psychiatric Research Institute are just a few examples of places where world leading scientific and social research work is being carried out. In addition to this many of the area's private sector businesses are also involved in research work, developing market-leading new products. A prime example is the diabetes research being carried out by Inverness Medical, and the self-testing kits they produce for a global market.

However because of the wide geographic spread of researchers and companies it might not be obvious to others that such a volume of work is being carried out. This might mean that research projects are being commissioned outside the area, because those organising the work simply do not know who is available locally.

That is where the new database is intended to come into its own - providing a reference source of those involved in the research activities and allowing research 'buyers' to choose local providers.

The database will be published in both a printed format and electronically - on a dedicated website and a CD-ROM.

The compilation work is being co-ordinated by the Scottish Centre for Information Research, based in Stornoway, and is being done on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE's head of knowledge economy, Calum Davidson, said: "We've already had some success in getting researchers to register their details on the database. So far it's mainly been those who are working within the colleges of the UHIMI or private researchers. What we are particularly keen to do now is expand this information to include those who are involved in research work within local companies. We know there's a good deal of work going on - and it is important for the database to be as comprehensive as possible.

"By registering on the database researchers are effectively marketing themselves to a global audience, and it's important for the area that it establishes the widest possible reputation and awareness of the work being carried out.

"This effort to boost the 'pure' research sector dovetails very neatly with HIE's other strategic priority, 'bringing good ideas out of our labs and into our companies'. Taken together these 'applied' and 'pure' research strands have very real potential to bring new jobs and value to the local and national economy."
 
The database is due to be substantially complete by this summer, and already there are more than 100 entries on the website. Researchers who have registered are able to update their own records and details, and add publications on a fully interactive basis.

Researchers interested in joining up can visit the website at http://www.hirr.uhi.ac.uk or for more details on the Highlands and Islands Research Register contact Pamela Tait on 01851 770 285