A current research information system (CRIS) is a database or other information system to store and manage data about research conducted at an institution.

There is an increasing awareness of the need for quality research management (information) systems:

• for researchers: easy access to relevant information and associated software, processor power, storage systems and - where necessary - detectors to collect more data to overcome incomplete or inconsistent information
• for research managers and administrators: easy measurement and analysis of research activity and easy access to comparative information
• for research councils: optimisation of the funding process
• for entrepreneurs and technology transfer organizations: easy retrieval of novel ideas and technology in a knowledge-assisted environment and easy identification of competitors and previously done similar research
• for the media and public: easy access to information, software and computer power to allow easily assimilated presentation of research results in appropriate contexts.

A standard for current research information system is the CERIF (Common European Research Information Format) standard, proposed by the EU and developed and maintained by euroCRIS.