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Science, Technology and Research Network (STARNET)

Walter R. Blados
Consultant and Member of the Information Management Committee
Research and Technology Organization, NATO
wblados@fuse.net

International alliances have resulted in a more rapid diffusion of technology, which is increasing pressure on organizations to push forward with technological developments and to take steps to maximize their inclusion into the research and development (R&D) process. The role of scientific and technical communication is central to the success of the innovation process in general and the management of R&D activities in particular. It is imperative that communication of data and information is provided to scientists, engineers, program managers, policy analysts, resource managers, and others.

In order to foster and engender resource sharing,, the Information Management Committee of the NATO Research Technology Agency has developed a science, technology and research network (STARNET). The purpose of this network is to facilitate access to information elements existing worldwide, in terms of science, technology and overall research. STARNET is designed as a virtual library for these information elements; it is a database of web-based data sources, which will allow comprehensive and sophisticated searches. Initial incorporation of web-based information resources began in 2003. Currently only non-classified information is being considered.

There are seven thematic or scientific areas designated as nodes of the STARNET; namely

• Aerospace and Aerospace-Related Research Information Node (ARIN)
• Defense Against Terrorism Node (DTIN)
• Environmental and Biological Sciences Node (EBSIN)
• Information Science Node (INSCIN)
• Land-Based Operations Node (LBON)
• Naval, Marine and Sea-based Operations Node (NAVMAS)
• Research Planning Node (RESPLAN)

The topic areas of each of the STARNET nodes are as follows:

Aerospace Research Information Node (ARIN)	Aeronautics Aerospace engineering Chemistry and materials Geosciences Life sciences Mathematical and computer science Physics Space sciences Other IAIN related; general topics on aerospace
Defense Against Terrorism Information Node	CBRN (Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Warfare) Counter terrorism Other combating terrorism related Policy Proliferation control Security Terrorist incidents Threat assessment/reduction Threat profiling Training
Environmental and Biological Sciences Information Node (EBSIN)	Agricultural and food sciences Biological warfare Ecosystems and landscapes Environmental change Environmental hazards General biology Land management Military & environment Nature conservation Oceanography Parks, zoos, and wildlife Other EBSIN related; general topics on environmental or biological sciences
Information Science Node (INSCIN)	Access Cognition & philosophy Computer science Data mining Database creation Digital/virtual libraries Electronic content management and tools Expert systems Hardware/software coding Information management Interoperability/compatibility Knowledge management Library science Metadata Metrics Networking Portal technology Records management Security issues Simulation & modeling Standards Storage/retrieval technologies Telecommunications Thesaurus/vocabularies Web design Other INSCIN related; general topics on information science
Land Based Operations Node (LBON)	Coalition operations Combat operations GIS/navigation or geographic related Intelligence Leadership Logistics Military training Modeling & simulation Non-lethal weapons Operations other than war Ordnance/materials Terrain/ land forms Vehicles Other LBON related; general topics on land-based operations
Naval/Marine/Sea Operations Node (NAVMAS)	Marine biology Marine chemistry Marine meteorology Naval logistics Naval vehicles and equipment Naval warfare Naval weapons and weapon systems Oceanography Underwater acoustics Other NAVMAS related; general topics on naval, marine, and sea operations
Research Planning Node (RESPLAN)	Collaborative research Funding sources/opportunities Future user needs National science requirements NATO long-term requirements Program management/planning Research in progress Technology impact Technology watch/forecasting Other RESPLAN related; general topics on research planning

On the STARNET home page, the nodes are listed on the left of the page, and one can click on a particular node, which will transport you to the homepage of that node. At the top of each node home page, there are buttons for Home; News and Events, Node Search, Contact Us; and Nominate Resource.

Clicking on the search button at the top of the page, brings forth the search page which contains options for launching a search within that particular node.

Users of STARNET are able to perform sophisticated and comprehensive searches by using the following search elements.

• One option is to search all data sources in the node, without any refinements.
• The second option is to refine the search by drop-down menus, that include narrowing the search by the following search options:
  • NATO/non-NATO countries
  • Specific countries
  • Organization type such as NATO entity, government agency, private enterprise, international organization, academic entity, etc.
  • Topics within the node; multiple choices can be made in each of these options.
  • Language: the language in which the resource is presented.

The STARNET is still in its infancy, and considerable effort must be given to populating each of the nodes with pertinent, meaningful data. On each STARNET node home page there is a Nominate Resource button, which brings up a Nominate Resource Form. Users are requested to fill in as many of the metadata elements or items as possible when submitting a resource. The nomination form will then be sent to a content manager for review and evaluation, and when deemed appropriate and complete, the resource will be forwarded for inclusion in the STARNET.

Please visit the {STARNET web site} and browse the various nodes. You are encouraged to nominate resources; it is only with the cooperation of all users that the STARNET can become a truly one-stop resource for the research and development process.

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