Research lead
The UK National Cancer Research Institute has launched a free online cancer research portal, ONIX (Oncology Information Exchange), that enables scientists and clinicians from both the public and private sector to search and access international research data held online.
The portal incorporates search technology that will significantly reduce the time taken to find cancer-related data across the spectrum of research from genomics to clinical trials. This will reduce duplication of research effort across the globe and make it easier for researchers to collaborate on similar studies.
ONIX makes it possible to simultaneously search through multiple cancer-related databases and track the latest developments in the field, showing what research is being carried out by which researchers, and where.
In the last 10 years the amount of health-related data held in public databases has ballooned.
However, the volume of data and the fact that it has been stored in many different formats and locations has made it almost impossible for individual researchers to use it effectively.
Alex Markham, who led the development of ONIX on behalf of NCRI, said, “Researchers can use it to pull out specific, relevant data from the haystack of information out there, really saving them valuable time. As a result researchers will be better connected with the latest projects, data and updates from institutions in the field of cancer. What you see now is just the beginning, the system will eventually become a one-stop resource for online cancer research.”
ONIX will be further refined in response to user feedback. The NCRI will continue to develop the system, adding more content, including databases, information about cancer-related organisations and resources.
The UK National Cancer Research Institute, established in April 2001, is a partnership between the government, charity and industry, which promotes cooperation in cancer research among the 21 member organisations.
http://www.cancerinformatics.org.uk/onixtile.html
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