If you're interested in the effects of anti-drug advertisements on children or the genetic basis for insomnia, then the University's newly-launched research-based Web site may be just what you're looking for.
The site, "Research at Penn," was developed to provide an online location where research from around the University could be gathered into one place, as well as to enhance Penn's reputation as a prominent research institute. The site's URL address is www.upenn.edu/researchatpenn.
"The main reason we decided to do this is because while we feel it is fairly well known within Penn that we're a research powerhouse, outside of our own campus it wasn't as well-known," said Deni Kasrel, the manager of web and publishing services for University Communications.
The site is also a chance to highlight research productivity at Penn. It averages 20 to 25 updates on research projects a month, covering a wide array of topics.
Broken down into five categories -- health, natural science, technology, society and business -- the Web site brings together new research developments from all 12 schools in the University.
"Before, people had to look at each school site separately or other publications to find what was new in research," News Officer Steve Bradt said. "Now, with 'Research at Penn,' they can go to one site that covers everything."
The idea for the Web site originated with University President Judith Rodin and Provost Robert Barchi and was brought to fruition through an advisory board of deans and other University administrators.
The entire content of the site -- which will be updated on a continual basis -- comes from previously published information drawn from press releases or news stories in publications from the individual schools.
"Essentially what we do is scan several dozen Web sites around the University at various schools as well as the Current, Gazette and alumni magazines, and we bring them into one place," Bradt said.
Also part of 'Research at Penn' is an e-mail newsletter that will become operational within the month. This monthly update will cover the five most interesting research stories from the previous month.
The site will be accompanied by an annual companion brochure, which will highlight the top 25 research stories of the past year and be used as an information source as well as a marketing tool.
"We want to pique people's interest in what research we're doing here and show the results to the people who have funded us," Kasrel said. "It's an acknowledgement of people who have contributed something to our research efforts."
Recently, there has been a trend toward the creation of research Web sites at Penn's peer institutions, Bradt explained.
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