Multi-Lingual Federated Search

DOE research is hindered by the fact that much quality scientific information is not published in English. No mechanism exists for researchers to search for foreign language documents in their native language, with automatic translation of results and documents. A multi-lingual federated search environment is proposed that allows for searching and viewing of result lists and documents in a number of major languages. Phase I proved feasibility of automated translation of search terms and search results between English and French in a federated search environment. Phase II will extend the Phase I work to include more languages of interest to scientists, it will extend the sophistication of the prototype developed in Phase I, and it will improve its performance. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Automated language translation is a technology of great interest to organizations creating search portals, especially if they access scientific information that may be published in a number of languages. No multi-lingual federated search applications exist so market interest should be great. Researchers and the public will also benefit from access to a much larger volume of quality content.