Research IT

Translation Manchester logo

Connecting Experts for Biomedical Research

Developed by Translation Manchester and Research IT, the Translation Manchester Research Connections Tool is a dynamic online platform which enables researchers to discover and connect with a network of academic, clinical, and industry experts, both within and beyond the University.

Translational research is the process by which basic scientific research is converted into patient-focused research that improves healthcare and wellbeing within society. One of the biggest hurdles in translational research is making the right connections and finding the right expertise to help advance healthcare innovations and tackle unmet clinical needs. Yet, there is not an easy way to navigate the expertise that is available to support translational research, including the University Faculties and local partner organisations (e.g. NHS trusts and industry).

In response to that need, Translation Manchester requested support from Research IT to build an on-line platform that will enable users to find the expertise that they need. In addition, users would also be able to contact with the relevant experts via the tool.

Research IT assigned a Research Software Engineer (Theresa Teng) to work closely with Translation Manchester to co-develop a customised on-line tool. The tool features key components such as:

  • creation of an on-line profile, where the user/expert can add their expertise in the form of keywords
  • a search function for the user to search for other experts based on keywords and other criteria
  • a list function for users to save their searches
  • a connection function for users to send their connection requests to other experts and initiate communication.

Screenshot showing the Research Connections Homepage after the creation of a profile. Users can edit their profile, search for experts, manage their connections and browse all available expertise.
Research Connections Homepage
Research Connections Homepage after the creation of a profile. Users can edit their profile, search for experts, manage their connections and browse all available expertise.

A key development was the production of a tool using .Net Blazor, with a Postgres database. This allowed the incorporation of a Medical Subject Heading (MESH) database of keywords, produced by the National Library of Medicine. Using this database expands the search capabilities of the tool and allows users to identify experts whose keywords are matching, or are related to, the keywords the user is searching for.

The tool requires registration by its users who can be researchers, clinicians, industry partners, professional services support staff and research technology professionals. They can create either an individual account as a researcher, clinician, or another professional capacity, or create an organisational account if they are registering a department or organisation to promote their services within the tool. They can also link individuals to organisations and departments.

Screenshot of the User Profile Page for Individuals: Users can add basic information on their profile including a short bio (optional but searchable) and several areas of expertise with associated keywords.
User Profile Page
User Profile Page for Individuals: Users can add basic information on their profile including a short bio (optional but searchable) and several areas of expertise with associated keywords.

Creating a profile is quick and easy. The profile includes some basic information about the user and keywords associated with their area(s) of expertise. The user is able to personalise their privacy settings and the advance search functions in the tool will help them find and connect with other experts in areas of their interest. They can also choose keywords from the existing MeSH database, or add their own free-text keywords.

Screenshot of Search functionality allows to find experts based on certain criteria including keywords. Once experts are identified a connection request can be sent.
Search Functionality
Search functionality allows to find experts based on certain criteria including keywords. Once experts are identified a connection request can be sent.

Once the user has identified the experts they wish to connect with, they can send them a connection request and initiate a discussion via email. If an expert prefers not to share their email address with other users, they can keep all communications within the tool and their email address will never be shared.

More features are going to be released in the coming months including automated suggestions on potential experts of interest to connect with.

Translation Manchester and Research IT are actively working on the development of the tool, and any feedback is much appreciated! You can provide feedback via email or by filling in Translation Manchester’s feedback form.

Reflecting on their collaboration with Research IT, Translation Manchester said:

“Collaborating with Research IT for the development of the tool has been a valuable experience, and input from research IT into the final product has been instrumental. The team has shown great dedication through regular meetings, responsiveness, attention to detail and a proactive approach. Our dedicated Research Software Engineer has truly helped us navigating the complexities of developing a new software, a process we were not familiar with given our scientific backgrounds”.

If you’d like to discuss possible future collaborations including the development of a bespoke web application, please get in touch with Research IT.