Published on 07.06.2023

Introducing the New Research Information System (SIR) at the University of Fribourg


Replacing the FUTURA platform, the SIR seamlessly integrates into the MyUnifr environment as a new section labelled "My research activities" within the "Research" tab.

All data from FUTURA, including publications, projects, and research groups, has been preserved and transferred to ensure continuity. Using the simple commands in this section, researchers will be able to manage the visibility of their activities across multiple web pages.

The SIR offers remarkable features, including close integration with ORCiD for automatic retrieval of publications and appointment history, and automatic association of SNSF-granted projects with researchers' profiles. These time-saving functionalities simplify the creation and updating of personal web pages, enhancing efficiency.

The objectives of the SIR are twofold: to enhance the visibility and traceability of our researchers' work and to provide a consistent presentation of results. While the public profile in the directory can be customized, allowing for the creation of publication lists to be organized by year or publication type, the system maintains a homogeneous format, ensuring a professional and cohesive representation.

The SIR has been developed in-house by the IT Direction (DIT), with assistance from the Research Promotion Service (SPR) and Unicom. It is currently in the testing phase, gradually being made available to selected researchers. Following presentations in the Faculty Councils during the months of May and June, all professors will gain access to "My research activities". Subsequently, access will be rolled out to the remaining researchers.

Looking ahead, the SIR holds immense potential. Its data will facilitate statistical analyses of our university's research output and foster the creation of dynamic department web pages. These pages will automatically update with the latest information on projects and publications, providing real-time insights.