The Carbohydrate Research Foundation has the following objectives:
- stimulating research and use of carbohydrates as strategic renewable resource for the
chemical industry;
- stimulating research and use of carbohydrates in food for health reasons;
- stimulating bio-medical research in the field of carbohydrates in the search for
new medicines;
- stimulating the transfer of knowledge in the areas stated above.
CRF is the facilitator for networking in carbohydrate science and technology. However,
CRF does not finance research but instead supports scientists to realize research funding
through the network organization.
Achieving the objectives
CRF has developed a number of activities in order to stimulate the generation and transfer of
knowledge in the field of carbohydrates. By making information and knowledge gained from
scientific research better and easier accessible for industry, universities and institutions, the
effectiveness and efficiency of research will be improved significantly.
CRF helps to establish structured cooperative relationships between various research
institutions, from various scientific disciplines, on a international level.
Activities
- Carbohydrates in Europe
CRF publishes the magazine Carbohydrates in Europe four times each year as from 1997.
Initially titled Koolhydraten in Nederland, in the ten years since the first issue published in
1986 the magazine has established an international reputation. With over 3,500 readers it has the
largest circulation of all carbohydrate magazines in the world. The editorial team is assisted by a
Scientific Advisory Board, consisting of a group of carbohydrate experts from all over Europe, which
chooses a theme for each number based on its multi-disciplinary viewpoint.
- European Training Course on Carbohydrates
Once every two years CRF organizes a European Training Course on Carbohydrates. During a
period of five full days, eighty participants are trained in carbohydrate science and technology
by an international group of 25 experts in the field. In addition to a scientific programme the
course includes poster sessions and social activities, giving the participants the opportunity to
establish international contacts. This course was organized in The Netherlands three times (1990,
1992 and 1994). The next course will be held in Italy in July 1996.
- International Workshop Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials
In continuation of the third workshop held in November 1994 in Wageningen, CRF is organizing the
fourth Workshop on Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials, to be held in Vienna in the Spring of
1997. These workshops devote attention to carbohydrates and their chemical applications. The
presentations held during the workshop are published.
- Database
CRF collects and selects all kinds of relevant information related to carbohydrates. This information
is stored in a database.
Attempts are being made to allow access to parts of the database by means of electronic
communication so that everyone can retrieve information from their own work station. First a
"Who's Who" is being compiled: who is doing what research concerning carbohydrates and
where are they doing it.
- Information system
In support of its activities, CRF makes intensive use of information technology. CRF's information
services are available through Internet from January 1st, 1996. In addition to this CRF is establishing
an information system. Using this system, researchers in both the business sector and universities
will be able to cooperate and exchange information. This shortens the research path so that
breakthroughs can be achieved faster. CRF constantly strives to improve and expand the
information system so that all interested parties can make information available in a more
effective and efficient way.
- Accessibility of IOP-K information
In the Spring of 1995, in consultation with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, CRF took the
initiative in making the information generated through the IOP-K accessible. The above mentioned
information system plays a central role in the accessibility of the knowledge generated. The
database used by CRF will be expanded and modified in order to electronically present the
IOP-K information to a broad international group of users. A pilot user group offers feedback
during the development of the database on user friendliness and the scientific merit of the
information.
- Advisory function
In continuation of the ECP activities, the Carbohydrate Research Foundation plays an advisory
role, making recommendations and offering support in requesting European funding. Emphasis
here is placed on the FAIR, BIOMED and BIOTECH programmes. CRF also offers assistance
in finding partners for submitting collective subsidy proposals.
Contacts
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