All biobanks (collections of human biological samples) should be given a unique identification code, EU-funded scientists suggest. Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), they argue that such a scheme would optimise the use of these resources and open up new avenues for genetics studies.

CORDIS, the Community research and Development Information Service, has added a new project search function to its Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) website. By selecting 'Find a project' in the website's navigation bar, users will have access to a search form, enabling them to conduct free text searches. Users can also search by thematic priorities or by a specific activity within each priority.

TRIL (Technology Research for Independent Living) Centre launched the BioMOBIUS™ Research Platform, an open shareable technology platform, which allows researcher to rapidly develop sophisticated technology solutions for biomedical research. This platform helps researchers to reduce the time spent on developing foundational technologies, allowing them to focus on their actual research.

The European Commission is moving a step closer to making it easier for companies, in particular Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), to bid for public sector contracts anywhere in the EU; a crucial step towards achieving the Single European Market. The Commission will co-finance a pilot project, driven by eight European countries that will create the conditions to link existing national electronic public procurement (e-procurement) systems.

The European Commission has just launched the first ever European e-Inclusion Awards. As part of the European Commission's e-Inclusion Initiative, the Awards will celebrate the best and most imaginative uses of Information and Communications Technology to reduce digital and social exclusion. These awards will celebrate the best and most imaginative uses of ICT to reduce digital and social exclusion.

BMJ Learning, part of the BMJ Group, announced that it has formed a partnership with the College of Emergency Medicine in the UK, to provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses for Fellows and Associate Fellows of the College. The new learning resources are provided in a series of modules-those available immediately include courses on self-harm and the Medical Capacity Act, the management of acute coronary syndromes, and syncope.

"The Health-EU portal is a gateway to health information in 20 languages. I hope it will soon become one of the first places where European citizens seek health information on the web. The information has to be clear, concise and relevant to their needs - providing the users with the tools and information they need to make informed healthy choices" says Robert Madelin, Director General for the Health and Consumers Directorate General of the European Commission.