New search and data mining tools used to find information held by UKPMC launched

Cancer Research UKJan 13 2010

British Library launches new research tools for UK PubMed Central

The British Library has showcased a range of new search and data mining tools which can be used to find information held by UK PubMed Central (UKPMC).

Researchers will be able to use the Open Beta version of UKPMC to search and link information and employ new and innovative ways to tap into underlying data.

Developed in consultation with researchers and part-funded by Cancer Research UK, the new features were launched by Professor Dame Sally Davies, director general of research and development at the Department of Health.

"I am delighted that UK PubMed Central is ready to launch new features on its website," Dame Sally said. "This technology will make it possible to discover and use hidden 'gems' of information buried in the documents within UK PubMed Central.

"The Funders' commitment to Open Access, and to making research outputs available through UK PubMed Central, means this advance will increase the knowledge base and allow research to realise even greater health and economic benefits for this country."

The new web interface will make it easier for researchers to access over 1.7 million full-text, peer-reviewed research articles and over 19 million abstracts for life science research papers for free.

Users will also be able to search other content, such as clinical guidelines and PhD theses.

Available at http://beta.ukpmc.ac.uk, the resource will widen access to knowledge and improve the efficiency of desk research, as well as enabling funding organisations to assess the impact of their research.

Those attending today's showcase event will have the opportunity to try out some of the new features and hear from key funders, including Professor Doug Kell, chief executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and Sir Mark Walport, director of the Wellcome Trust.

Richard Boulderstone, director of eStrategy at the British Library, commented: "With over 1.7 million full-text, free-to-access biomedical research articles and an ever increasing archive of additional research content, such as PhD theses and clinical guidelines, UK PubMed Central is fast becoming the information resource of choice for the UK's biomedical and health research community.

"Developed by the British Library through open consultation with a wide range of researchers, the new data mining tools will allow users to really interrogate the collection, informing research, reducing duplication of work and inspiring new scientific discovery."

Jennifer Fleck, from Cancer Research UK, said: "These new features will really help us evaluate the impact of research funded by the charity. It'll make it a lot easier to keep track of all of the advances made by our scientists and to make sure that we're using generous donations from the public in the most effective and efficient way."