Oxford aims to lead the world in e-research

LONDON - Britain's Oxford University is to set up the world's first research centre dedicated to investigating the impact of the internet on society.

The Oxford Internet Institute, or OII as it will be known, will help make the university the world's leading centre for e-research.

Topics likely to be researched will include: privacy and security, confidentiality and trust, and the "digital divide" ­- whether the internet is creating an "underclass" shut out from many of its benefits by their lack of access.

The institute is to be funded by a £10 million ($NZ34 million) donation from the Shirley Foundation, whose founder, Dame Stephanie Shirley, is one of the richest women in the country.

She set up Freelancers International ­ one of the first companies to realise the potential of developing and marketing computer software.

It is also to receive £5 million ($NZ17 million) from public funds.

- INDEPENDENT