Web 2.0 makes inroads in the scientific community as the Hershey Center for Applied Research, in Hershey, PA develops a social network to improve interactions between industry, academia, government, venture capitalists, the work force and IP attorneys. The social networking software is said to provide a "LinkedIn look" that will enable scientists to connect with each other, and provide content areas such as wikis.

KnowledgeMesh is designed to create and improve interactions between industry, academia, government, venture capitalists, the work force and IP attorneys. Secondarily, Butcher said, she hopes the tool will position the center for growth.

...

A social network can help bridge the gap between researchers and the resources they seek. Moreover, the social tools will let outsiders collaborate with scientists they wouldn't ordinarily be familiar with.

KnowledgeMesh includes profiles, wikis and other tools that were created by Intelmarx, a social software provider that caters to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions.