JISC

David de Roure, University of Southampton 

The VRE concept started in 2004, with consultative workshops. e-Science was already strong but tech-centric rather than user-centric. The VRE challenge was to 'create an infrastructure routinely useable by researchers'; VRE1 was therefore experimental, working on a range of projects. MLEs and VLEs existed at this time but were fairly 'monolithic'; manual and laborious and didn't involve the Grid to any extent. Characteristics of a VRE, among others, are that it should be a distributed tool, based on Open Source, and customisable

Into VRE2, the focus shifted to engaging communities and raising awareness; a research practice focus rather than developmental. eg. myExperiment was about sharing a workflow, rather than constantly reinventing the wheel, and collaboration.

Characteristics of a VRE, among others, are that it should be a distributed tool, based on Open Source, and customisable. Just some of the issues include desktop integration, social space, and open or protected content.

Roger Slack, University of Wales 

Roger continued with a round-up of some of the issues raised by the Memetic VRE1 project. A consortium-based project, it was very much focussed on user engagement, and 'Securing commitment, supporting work and ensuring futures'. Development was based on current user needs (rather than seeking to change research practice), required the active involvement of participants, and a long-term involvement through the lifetime of the project, since possibilities can arise along the way. It also required project champions, and people taking ownership. The future for the project includes further embedding work, and a Collaborative Research Events pilot involving many institutions.

Questions from the floor

Does a VRE project include the building of the data within it, and if so, who is responsible?
The 'back end' content is vital; people user VREs for the content not the software. Users add value to the system, so content can be seen as evolving.  

What is the role of libraries within VREs?
The April call bridges e-science and libraries, so the connection is being honed at the moment; however more generally VREs need to look closely at all communities and funding agencies and support structures.

What is the role of commercial suppliers?
Anything JISC funds has to be freely available to the community, so commercial suppliers cannot be funded but can partner institutions in bidding for funds. Discussions have been had with commercial suppliers, and if they can help to ensure sustainability of development post-JISC funding, then their involvement is very much welcomed. The 'runway' momentum built up during JISC funding has to be kept going, and this is one very effective way of ensuring that it is.