22 March 2007

Key science websites not showing up in search

Important science sites could be failing to show up in internet searches, according to new research.

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) discovered that many of the internet's key science-related websites are being missed by leading search engines and this could be having a detrimental effect on users.

In particular, the ESRC has raised concerns that anyone using the internet for research could be opting to "trust" a site simply because it appears in the top 30 results of a search rather than based on its accuracy of information.

Dr Ralph Schroeder, Dr Alexandre Caldas, Professor William Dutton and Dr Jenny Fry of the Oxford Internet Institute discovered that traditional sources of scientific expertise, especially in areas of climate change and Aids/HIV, can struggle to have a strong online presence.

Therefore, more needs to be done to help promote reputable sites and ensure that search engine results provide the best results for users as well as providing access to journal information.

"This will be an issue not just for policymakers," explained Dr Schroeder.

"But for educators, organisations involved in science and research communication, regulators responsible for access to the Web and citizens who are concerned with the diversity and richness of the information world around them," he added.

The ESRC is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training concerned with social and economic issues.

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