Research materials - MRC e-Val 2010
The MRC is interested in capturing information about new research materials, tools and technologies used by MRC-supported researchers. Of particular interest are new models, methods, databases, reagents, technologies and techniques that are transforming research. Information is also sought on whether these had been shared with others and if there is any evidence that these have supported new lines of enquiry.
Over 3,000 reports gathered by MRC e-Val demonstrate that a wide variety of new research materials, tools and technologies are being used, with models of mechanism or symptoms rating highest, followed closely by databases, collections of data and biological samples, and assay or reagent technologies.
Examples collected include e-technology pioneered by Professor Wisia Wedzicha and the London COPD exacerbation cohort (University College London) in which health diaries are recorded using a Blackberry mobile phone, and the Human Testicular Cancer Model led by Professor Richard Sharpe (formerly at the MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh).
