Berlin, March 23, 2009 – Red Herring today announced that ResearchGATE was named a Finalist of Red Herring 100 Europe, an award given to the top 100 private technology companies based in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region each year.

“This year’s impressive list of submissions from companies demonstrates Europe’s growing role as a major center of innovation in the global technology sector,” said Red Herring Publisher, Alex Vieux. “The exceptional accomplishments of European technology startups and entrepreneurs are a testament to the rapid advancements being made in building the European innovation ecosystem.”

Red Herring’s lists of top private companies are an important part of the publication’s tradition of identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs. Companies like Google, eBay, and Skype were spotted in their early days by Red Herring editors, and touted as leaders that would change the way we live and work.
 
Red Herring’s editorial staff rigorously evaluated several hundred private companies through a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria, including quality of management, execution of strategy, and dedication to research and development. 

Red Herring will honor the Red Herring 100 Europe Finalist companies at its Red Herring Europe 2009 Conference. Scheduled for March 31- April 2, at the Berlin Radisson Hotel. This intimate, 2 1/2 day event will explore how European firms are leading the charge in many technology sectors, gaining a competitive advantage, and driving entrepreneurial success in ways that create business opportunities for challengers and incumbents alike. 


About Red Herring
Red Herring is a global media company which unites the world’s best high technology innovators, venture investors and business decision makers in a variety of forums: a leading innovation magazine, an online daily technology news service, technology newsletters and major events for technology leaders around the globe.  Red Herring provides an insider’s access to the global innovation economy, featuring unparalleled insights on the emerging technologies driving the economy. More information about Red Herring is available on the Internet at www.redherring.com.

Did you have a chance to try out ResearchGATE's latest application, the network graph? In your own profile, or one of your friends', simply click on "network graph". You can now see how contacts are interconnected within ResearchGATE. Take a look at our example:

ResearchGATE has been growing very fast over the past year. Thousands of scientists from all over the world engage in discussions on the platform every day. The Methods group, focusing on lab techniques and scientific methods, is currently the largest one: It recently welcomed its 1000th member. We talked to the group's founder Axel Hueber of the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation at the University of Glasgow.

-How did you come across ResearchGATE?

I had the fortune to be invited for the initial beta test and enjoy being a member of ResearchGATE ever since.

-Why did you decide to create the Methods group?

With lots of highly specialized groups showing up, I wondered what researchers have in common. Coincidentally, at that time, I was struggling with a specific method in the lab, so I started this group. Getting a quick answer from colleagues, I was pleased that at that time even 10 members could interact efficiently. on ResearchGATE. Now reaching 1000 members, the Methods group increases in range of knowledge daily. Admittedly, a risk of non-commitment comes with this size. However, so far still discussions are ongoing and questions are answered.

-What sort of discussions do people engage in?

To be honest, all sorts of discussion. From troubleshooting, sharing buffer recipes to primer design and protein biology questions. This can be very simple discussions as well as topics I have never heard of before. The great thing is that most of the time, someone in this community will have an answer.

-The Methods group is currently the largest group on ResearchGATE. Did you anticipate this growth?

Not really. I was surprised that the Methods group when i heard that it has become the largest group. It seems to reflect what researchers need on a daily basis. Without the overall success of ResearchGATE, this would not have been possible.

-What do you think of the current development of ResearchGATE?

It was time for a platform where researchers can interact and exchange thoughts, knowledge and ideas. The huge advantage of ResearchGATE is the flexibility of its team and how it adjusts and improves the platform based on scientific demand. It remains in the responsibility of the scientific community to use all the excellent tools offered, such as filesharing or adiscussion groups, and maybe move away from impact-factor driven science.

Let us introduce another new ResearchGATE feature: the public profile. As thousands of scientists list their academic background, research focus and publications on ResearchGATE, some of you proposed making profiles partially accessible from outside the platform. That's what we did. You can now use your profile page as an online CV, keeping those who still don't use ResearchGATE informed about your work. You'll receive a personalized link (www.researchgate.net/profile/your_name) to put on your website or use in your email signature. As is always the case at ResearchGATE, you decide which data you want to share: To open your profile to the public, you first have to check the "enable my public page" box within your personal settings.

As you can see, some things have changed at ResearchGATE. We have been working hard in the past weeks and are proud to present a completely new layout. Over the past months, we've talked to hundreds of researchers who use the website every day and incorporated as much feedback as possible. We believe that the new design is not only very attractive, it's also more intuitive and easier to use.

We're looking forward to your feedback, let us know what you think!