Tools available to Michigan State University faculty members can not only help them find collaborators on campus and at other institutions and companies, but also can assist in their ongoing search for research funding.
Known as SciVal, it is actually two online tools designed to encourage more interdisciplinary activity and support MSU research.
The MSU Scholars database helps both campus and external researchers identify potential collaborators. It is based on publications found in Scopus, a bibliographic database, containing abstracts and citations of academic journal articles and publications.
“SciVal MSU Scholars is a very valuable tool for both faculty and students,” said Estelle McGroarty, associate vice president for research and graduate studies. “It has the opportunity to provide researchers with assistance, from developing new collaborations to helping graduate students find mentors to helping new faculty better understand the scope of the university.”
MSU Scholars is available at www.scholars.opb.msu.edu.
SciVal Funding is a companion tool to MSU Scholars that helps identify funding opportunities. Faculty profiles in the MSU Scholars database are linked to the SciVal Funding tool to allow faculty to set up automatic alerts of funding opportunities that match their expertise.
“This will help the researchers look for funding opportunities literally around the world,” McGroarty said.
SciVal funding is available at www.funding.scival.com/proxy2.cl.msu.edu/home#b.
One other advantage SciVal brings is it helps bring about multidisciplinary research, which is helpful in attracting new funding opportunities.
“The reputation of the institution grows when you have these large, multidisciplinary initiatives,” McGroarty said.