CORDIS, the Community Research and Development Information Service, has launched a new online service covering the research and innovation activities carried out under the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union (1 January to 30 June 2008).

The service sets out the research and development (R&D) and innovation policies of the Slovenian Council Presidency. The country's overarching goal is to oversee the further development of the European Research Area (ERA). Key policy areas to be addressed during Slovenia's six months at the helm of the EU include Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs), the European Institute of Technology (EIT), research infrastructures, women in science and strengthening research ties with the Western Balkan countries.

A dedicated news section will provide information on the latest developments in European research and innovation policy throughout the Slovenian Presidency of the European Council.

Meanwhile the events section offers a comprehensive overview of the research-related events scheduled to take place in the framework of Slovenia's presidency. These include the meetings of the EU's research ministers and conferences open to a wider audience.

In addition to this, visitors to the new service can access the contact information of both the government ministries responsible for research policy and the country's leading research institutes.

A links page directs users to the websites of a wide range of organisations involved in research in Slovenia. These include virtual libraries and research information systems; public research institutes; infrastructure services; universities; the Academy of Sciences; libraries; associations and foundations; centres of excellence; and technology parks.

The CORDIS Slovenian Presidency service was developed by CORDIS in cooperation with the relevant Slovenian authorities and is available in English and Slovenian.

Source: Community R&D Information Service (CORDIS)