Digital Science Introduces "Projects" for Scientific Researchers - A Powerful New Technology Tool to Organise Their Data

LONDON and BOSTON, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Digital Science today launched Projects - the only desktop software designed specifically for scientific researchers that enables them to organise their research outputs in a safe, simple and structured way. For the first time dedicated, scientifically-relevant features have been brought together in one product, helping academic researchers keep track, save time and get ahead with their research.

"Digital Science was founded to make research more efficient through the better use of technology," explained Timo Hannay, Managing Director. "Academic research communities have repeatedly told us that their information tools are inadequate, acting as a barrier to the uncovering and validating of scientific discoveries. This unmet need has been the driving force behind the development of Projects - Digital Science's first fully home-grown software solution."

Projects (http://www.projects.ac) will equip researchers with the ability to:

• View a unique chronological visual timeline of their research activity and more easily find their important files
• Manually or automatically take "snapshots" of their work to seamlessly restore previous versions of files
• Store their data files in a simple organized way within a handy desktop drive, which can be easily shared or synchronized with remote backup services
• Flag, star and take notes on their data files to distinguish important files and to optimize search results

Mark Hahnel, Product Owner for Projects and Founder of figshare, explained, "Projects will fill a critical gap in an academic researcher's arsenal of desktop tools. It will aid researchers at the starting point of the research data lifecycle and ensure all their work can be attributed from the outset, avoiding any issues regarding the provenance of research in the long run. We're really excited about the development roadmap for Projects, which will shortly integrate fully into our community-driven open data project figshare, to ensure every scientific researcher gains credit for all their research."

Projects will initially be available for Mac users. Files can be accessed from Finder or other Mac applications and can be easily shared or synchronized with remote back-up options. Users can take advantage of a free 30-day trial and an introductory purchase price of £20 for academics.  

About Digital Science:

Digital Science is a technology company serving the needs of scientific research. It offers a range of scientific technology and content solutions, from intelligent knowledge discovery tools to software applications for the laboratory and decision support systems for managers. Digital Science combines world-class technology with a resolute focus on scientists and those who support the research process. http://www.digital-science.com      

About Macmillan Science and Education:

As part of one of the largest and best known international publishing groups in the world, the new global division of Macmillan Science and Education is characterized by seven high-quality academic, scholarly and educational businesses. These consist of Nature Publishing Group (NPG), Palgrave, Macmillan Education, Macmillan Higher Education, Macmillan New Ventures, Digital Science and Digital Education. The division employs more than 5,000 people, operating in more than 50 countries around the world, supporting scientists, professors, teachers, journalists, editors, writers and entrepreneurs in transforming the worlds of learning and discovery.