The University has developed an innovative system based on our successful Open Data service to facilitate the sharing of research facilities and high value equipment between and within UK universities.
The database is the first of its kind in the UK and aims to gain the best possible value from our existing facilities and equipment while avoiding needless duplication. The project responds to new guidelines for grant applications to Research Councils which require consideration of equipment sharing before the purchase option is considered.
About the database
Our database uses existing data sets on the University’s research facilities and equipment to create standardised records – each including location, specification, a brief description and contact information.
The database will bring an immediate benefit to current and future research staff:
- it will enable them to identify suitable resources to be included in support of research bids
- it will improve opportunities for grant funding under the new guidelines
- it will facilitate a culture of sharing, delivering improved resource efficiencies
The database is another example of the University’s commitment to open data and to national leadership in this area.
Browse and search our research facilities and equipment database at Southampton.
Building on our successful leadership in this area, we have developed a national database for RCUK (Research Councils UK) providing a “shop window” for research equipment from across the UK. The project, sponsored by EPSRC (The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), aims to establish a searchable national equipment dataset using the open data approach.
Visit equipment.data.ac.uk to search for equipment or facilities at UK universities.