The need for a Swiss Feeds Database can be summarised as follows:
· The database is an ideal base and complement for the learning program eFeed (e-learning course supported by the Swiss Virtual Campus).
· eFeed is a collaborative project of the following teaching institutions: University of Zurich, University of Berne, ETH Zurich and Universitiy of Applied Sciences of Berne. As an integral part of eFeed, the web-based Swiss Feed Database will be introduced in the curricula of all participating institutions.
· In the context of life long learning, students will be encouraged to apply their gained experience with the database in their professional life and to continue to use it as an information tool.
· Up to now, no equivalent database exists in Switzerland.
· The database will be updated regularly by integrating the latest findings in research thus assuring a rapid knowledge transfer.
Technical knowledge of the Institute for Computational Science gained with the development of the “Schweizer Nährwertdaten” (Swiss food database) can be reused and extended within the present project.