Current Projects

Automated Analysis of Free-text Questionnaires

This project aims to provide an analytical tool that minimises the intellectual effort needed to identify distinct clusters of similar free-text answers to online surveys. It allows for significant variations in language, spelling, etc.

Free-text questions yield useful information because answers represent the respondents' real views, whereas multiple-choice and ranking questions may artificially constrain them or put words in their mouths. However, free-text questions tend to be avoided because of the time and intellectual effort needed to analyse the results.

Status: A demonstration prototype application is available.

Visualisation of Multi-Step Chemical Reactions

The purpose of this chemical software module is to identify the chain of reactions in a synthesis database that lead to a specified target compound. The results are arranged in an aesthetically pleasing layout and placed in an appropriate document - ISIS/Draw, MS PowerPoint, HTML, etc - for display and/or editing.

Status: Specifying technical & functional requirements.

Feasibility Study: Controlled Compounds Database

This is a molecule database of compounds whose commerce and handling is governed by international treaties and national legislation. It is intended to include narcotics, poisons, performance-enhancing drugs, chemical warfare agents, etc, and their precursors. It will not cover other radiochemicals or prescription drugs.

This database will be of interest as a filter for use by chemical suppliers and purchasers who need to be aware of such problem compounds

Status: Feasibility Study.

The above projects are available for sponsorship for in-house or commercial implementation. To discuss the full terms of reference in confidence, please contact Peter Millington.