Development and enhancement of the PubPharm search platform PubPharm is a search engine for pharmaceutical literature with more than 55 million searchable publications (05/2020), including 30 million from the database Medline. Furthermore, journal articles from adjacent scientific disciplines, books (e-books and dissertations), conference papers, preprints, patents and information on clinical trials from the clinical study register ClinicalTrials.gov are included. PubPharm is a discovery system based on the open source software VuFind. The back end, i.e. the central search index, lies in the hands of the GBV Association (VZG). PubPharm undergoes a process of continuous development. Proposed advancements include the incorporation of further clinical trials and the optimisation of a prototypical filter for systematic reviews. Extensive information about PubPharm can be found in the PubPharm Help.
Development of innovative services Innovative search tools are being developed in cooperation with the Institute for Information Systems. If a particular developed prototype proves itself useful, it gets eventually integrated into the PubPharm search platform. Currently, tested tools include the FID-Forum as a narrative interaction platform. Based on the concept of narrative intelligence, it was designed to facilitate the exploration of research topics under various aspects. Another research approach consists in the application of artificial neuronal networks to cluster active substances.
Photo credit: FID Pharmazie/TU Braunschweig
Collaboration with the pharmaceutical research community The Specialised Information Service Pharmacy develops its services in continuous exchange with the pharmaceutical research community.
Advisory board An advisory board consisting of scientists from pharmacy and computer science supports the ongoing development of the Specialised Information Service Pharmacy. Meetings are held annually.
Presentations at scientific conferences The services of the Specialised Information Service Pharmacy are presented at scientific conferences. These conferences provide the opportunity to inform scientists directly and learn about their needs and requirements in a personal conversation.
Webinars and roadshows Webinars and roadshows are used to inform scientists about the services of the Specialised Information Service Pharmacy.
PubPharm Blog News about the Specialised Information Service Pharmacy can be found in the PubPharm Blog.
Publications and press Publications by the Specialised Information Service Pharmacy as well as press reports can be found in the PubPharm Blog.
Photo credit: FID Pharmazie/TU Braunschweig
Digitisation Until now, 1,700 books und 700 journal volumes, predominantly from the 19th and 20th century, have been digitised. They are open access available via Braunschweig University Digital Library. For example "Süddeutsche Apotheker-Zeitung", „Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung" and "Pharmazeutische Zeitung“ can be found in the repository.
