The ERFF 2004/05 environmental research database was created using MS Access 2000, initially in order to carry out a strategic analysis of UK publicly funded environmental research (reported in ERFF Report 04). A multi-dimensional classification scheme for environmental research was developed to enable this analysis to be carried out, and all the projects funded in the database (over 5700) were classified using this scheme. To make best use of the information in the database it is helpful to spend some time looking at the classification scheme, which is one of the resources available for download from this site.
To make the information in the database available to ERFF members and others a new version of the database was developed which included a search form to help non-expert Access users to locate projects of interest to them. A simple user guide for the search form is available for download and we recommend that you read through this guide before using the search form.
The database itself is a Microsoft Access mdb file, which is provided in zipped form to make the download smaller. You will need to have MS Access 2000 or later installed on your PC in order to use the database.
As well as viewing results within the Access database itself, selected projects can be exported from the database in two different csv file formats: one suitable for manipulation using a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel and the other designed for use with a purpose-built project viewing form. The viewing form is available for download, together with its user guide. The viewing form makes it easier to view the information about projects, and is particularly useful for viewing and understanding the classification information. As it is an executable file, you may not be permitted to download it if your organisation imposes very strict security precautions. If permitted by your organisation, you can either download a zipped installable version of the viewing form which will set itself up on your PC when you double-click the downloaded and unzipped file, or you can download a zipped folder containing the relevant files, unzip it and store it anywhere suitable on your PC or on a data key or other external drive. The unzipped folder contains all the files which are needed to run the form; to open the form you double-click on the file erffviewingform.exe. Alternatively you can create a desktop shortcut to the erffviewingform.exe and double-click the shortcut to open the form.
How to download the database