The Rhode Island Science and Technology Council (STAC) has debuted a new statewide collaborative research website that creates a one-stop-shop where researchers, entrepreneurs and community leaders can learn about research and development in Rhode Island, register for events, apply for programs and access a searchable database of research equipment and shared facilities.

The web portal was created by the Rhode Island Research Alliance, a STAC-led program to promote collaboration across Rhode Island's research institutions, attract additional federal R&D investment into the state and accelerate Rhode Island's effort to create a knowledge-based innovation economy. Among other things, the Research Alliance oversees the Collaborative Research Grant Awards, which in 2008 included ITDM players like Bay Computer and Bionica.

Earlier this spring STAC presented its plans for expanding the Research Alliance and announced that Brown University and the University of Rhode Island both had contributed $25,000 to support the next phase of Research Alliance activity. Expansion of the Research Alliance and support for activities that promote greater collaboration across institutions was also designated as an economic development priority in the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation's 2008 Economic Growth Plan. The plan, a roadmap of economic development activities for repositioning Rhode Island's economy and creating more high wage jobs.

Check it out at www.stac.ri.gov