The WORLD'S most comprehensive science database, Web of Science, is now online in Irish universities. No linger will third level researchers, be forced to obtain access to the CD-ROM version. Web of Science, which is produced by the Institute for Scientific Information, includes citations in some 8,000 leading academic journals in the areas of science, social sciences and the arts and humanities. Abstracts of articles referred to are also included.

UCC, DCU, UCD, TCD, NUI Galway, UL and the DIT are all members of the consortium which has signed up with HEAnet to avail of the service. According to John Boland, HEAnet's chief executive, Ireland is one of the first countries in Europe to gain direct Internet access to Web of Science. Britain, he says is still at the negotiation stage.

"The new initiative," he says, "represents a major step forward, allowing a greater number of students and academic staff than ever before to access such vital scientific information online and so replace the more limited CD-ROM format."

HEAnet is the organisation responsible for linking third-level institutions to the Internet. It boasts over 30 subscribing institutions and its services are used by over 100,000 students and staff in Irish universities and institutes of technology.

Launching Web of Science on HEAnet are (from left) Noel Treacy TD, Minister of State with responsibility for science and technology; Danny O'Hare, president of DCU; and John Boland, chief executive of HEAnet