The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) has launched the beta version of its online brokering tool konfer.
The NCUB describes konfer as 'Google meets LinkedIn for university collaboration'. It enables companies of all types and sizes to look for research experts, papers, equipment or facilities across the UK university landscape and allows the research base to reach out to potential collaborators and identify funding opportunities. It is a major addition to the business development toolkit used by universities and businesses. The system was created by the NCUB with the UK Research Councils and HEFCE. Many of PraxisAuril's members were involved at the alpha phase of development and have provided valuable input to the system's look and feel.
Full details can be accessed via the NCUB website.