Research News
Introducing: The new HelmholtzNET
At present, around 3,000 colleagues use HelmholtzNET – particularly the group sections. In technical terms, however, HelmholtzNET was never designed as a collaborative tool and reached its limits some time ago. We frequently received requests for more up-to-date collaborative functions but were usually not able to provide these using the existing system.
This is all about to change! The new HelmholtzNET is based on MS Sharepoint 2010, the most widely used intranet software worldwide. Existing user profiles will be migrated to the new HelmholtzNET and users will gain online access in spring 2013 after receiving an invitation to confirm their account.
Main uses of HelmholtzNET:
1. Applications and appraisals:
The Helmholtz Association’s head office will use the new platform to make documentation on tenders and schemes available online. Applicants can also submit their applications online, meaning only one hard copy is now required. The applications are assessed by experts, who post their evaluations online. Reports on current projects can also be submitted via HelmholtzNET.
2. Programme evaluation:
The new platform facilitates the programme evaluation process. It provides assessors with all the information they require and with collaborative tools for compiling joint reports. It enables them to work on individual sections of a report in parallel, eliminating the sending of documents to and fro, and the copying and pasting of text blocks, which can so easily lead to errors. The new software also has an export function, allowing the report to be delivered in whichever format the relevant Helmholtz committee requires.
3. Group sections:
To date, this has been the most frequently used part of HelmholtzNET. Working teams, working groups and other project groups can access a members-only area where they can share documents, mailing lists, wikis and calendars. External guests can also become members of the new HelmholtzNET. Users determine how they wish to be updated on news and Helmholtz users can create their own group sections. It is also possible to create a public site for all users.
4. HelmholtzBox:
HelmholtzBoxes make it much easier to exchange files, both internally and externally. They can be used to post documentation for meetings online or to exchange information with external service providers. All users have the option of setting up a HelmholtzBox.
5. Intranet:
Like the previous HelmholtzNET, the new platform also features a streamlined information section featuring useful content such as Centre overviews, hotel information and information on booking rooms in the Helmholtz Association’s head offices in Bonn and Berlin or the Brussels office.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking part in the HelmholtzNET survey and providing us with such useful input. We are very pleased with the new HelmholtzNET and hope that it will prove a valuable tool for the Helmholtz Association.
