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ResearchGate is a social network for scientists, researchers and other intellectuals. The site isn’t restricted to one specific study. Scientists from all disciplines can register and participate in engaging discussions online. Users can share files, connect on forums and join groups. Each member can also create a personal blog that others can read and follow. The site is also equipped with a semantic search engine that searches major external databases, such as CiteSeer, PubMed and the NASA library as well as internal resources. The search function is capable of analyzing longer search terms than most standard search engines, which provides the user with refined results. Many researches and scientists use ResearchGate to establish themselves as an authority in a specific scientific field.

ResearchGate was founded in 2007. It was intended to supply scientists and similar individuals with a better collection of tools that allow them to collaborate and share their knowledge. The site is backed by Benchmark Capital, the investors who also supported sites like eBay and Twitter. ResearchGate’s community has grown considerably since it was first introduced, with over one million registered members. That number includes individuals in biology, anthropology, chemistry, history, literature, law, geoscience, political science, physics and many more scientific disciplines.

ResearchGate is a social network, much like Twitter or Facebook. That’s where the similarities end. The site offers something more refined than a general social experience. Users will find a collection of professional researchers and scientists who frequent the site to make connections and share their experiences and information with others. Users can expand their knowledge or share data to see what others think about a specific project or hypothesis.

ResearchGate has a very low key appearance that favors pale lilac, dark grey and hints of healthy green. The user profile is designed much like other social networking websites, with the user’s image and information presented in a neat and orderly fashion. The user can easily share their disciplines, experience and other details in a way that’s professional. ResearchGate offers users profiles that users won’t mind sharing with colleagues or research partners.

A new user can join the ResearchGate community by clicking one of the two buttons on the left side of the homepage. The white button invites users to sign up with a Facebook account. Everyone else can click the green “Sign Up for Free” button to access the registration form. The form asks for a first and last name, email address, institution name, department and a password. The user is automatically logged in after submitting the form.

Anyone can create a ResearchGate profile for free. There are no subscription fees and the user is not required to make any purchases to create or maintain an account. Free access is a great way to encourage more people to join the ResearchGate community and share their expertise and knowledge. The site covers all scientific disciplines so anyone from any field or industry can sign up. Each user is given access to all current features.

ResearchGate is a social network built specifically for scientists and researchers. Users can find a wealth of information and knowledge thanks to the website’s sizable community. The features, especially the search function, are tailored to the needs of a researcher which makes the website even more appealing. Anyone can sign up and contribute to the pool of knowledge that spans many diverse scientific disciplines.

• Users can sign up with a Facebook account
• Improved search function can handle longer keywords
• Major research databases are included in searches
• Profiles let users establish their expertise and experience
• Covers all scientific disciplines

ResearchGate.net video

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