New subject lists to provide a quick overview of KI's research
Now there is a new, partially automated presentation of Karolinska Institutet’s research by subjects on ki.se. The presentation is made with the help of KI’s new data system for research information, KI RIMS, and showcases research groups, teams, and in some cases, units.
“A benefit of the presentation is that group leaders themselves can log into KI RIMS and control which subject lists the group appears in on KI's website. This type of dynamic research overview was one of the goals of the RIMS project,” says Katarina Sternudd, science communications strategist and editor for the research website on ki.se.
The purpose of the new presentation is to give visitors to KI's website a quick overview of our research areas and also the ability to click through to groups and research leaders within the areas they are interested in. The target audience for the subject lists is primarily researchers or prospective researchers outside KI, but also journalists, decision-makers, and a medically interested public.
Standard for research subjects
The subject lists in the new presentation are based on the Swedish standard for research subjects, decided by Statistics Sweden (SCB) and the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ). These so-called SCB subjects have in some cases been supplemented with subject terms from the international standard MeSH (Medical Subject Headings). Existing research groupings in KI RIMS have, as a first step, been marked with research subjects based on the group members’ subjects in the University Library's bibliometric system, which is based on both scientific publications and the researchers' own choices. The PI or equivalent manager can then change the research subjects for their group.
Currently, about fifty subject lists are showcasing KI's research groups, teams, and units in various areas. To be included in a subject list, the group must have used the type of webpage on ki.se that is linked to KI RIMS and the page must be marked with the subject or subjects for the list in question.
“There is still work ongoing at many departments to introduce the new page type for research groups, which means that some important research subjects are not yet represented in the list overview. But we expect this to be resolved by the end of the year. Then SCB/UKÄ will also update the Swedish standard for research subjects, which will allow us to further refine the presentation,” says Katarina Sternudd.
Good to know about the subject lists
- It is usually the web editor at your institution who is responsible for converting existing group pages on KI's website to the new KI RIMS format, which is used in the subject lists. Some institutions have chosen to highlight their units via KI RIMS, while others have several levels of groups and teams.
- In KI RIMS, group leaders and managers at various levels can mark group pages with research subjects. Make sure your group has three or four SCB subjects (called labels in the system), but feel free to supplement with MeSH subjects. It is possible to appear on several subject lists simultaneously. Read more about how to do this on the KI RIMS pages on the Staff portal.
- When choosing SCB subjects, try to step out of old habits. Use the subjects you think others would choose to describe your group’s research – including researchers in other areas and the public. Then supplement with your own more specific favourites.
Give the group page an informative heading
Headings on group pages that only contain the group leader’s name do not work well in subject lists and search engines on the web. Make it easier for visitors to ki.se to find your group by describing in a few words in the heading what your research is about. This is also a recommendation from KI's Committee for Research.