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Harvard Library licenses hundreds of online databases, giving you access to academic and news articles, books, journals, primary sources, streaming media, and much more.

The contents of these databases are only partially included in HOLLIS. To make sure you're really seeing everything, you need to search in multiple places. Use Database Search to identify and connect to the best databases for your topic.

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How to efficiently search online databases for academic research

How to access academic databases

How to search academic databases, 1. use the campus network to access research databases, 2. find databases that are specifically related to your topic, 3. set up the search parameters within a database to be as narrow as possible, 4. ask a librarian for help, 5. slowly expand your search to get additional results, 6. use the pro features of the database, 7. try a more general database, if needed, 8. keep track of seminal works, frequently asked questions about searching online databases, related articles.

University libraries provide access to plenty of online academic databases that can yield good results when you use the right strategies. They are among the best sources to turn to when you need to find articles from scholarly journals, books, and other periodicals.

Searching an online research database is much like searching the internet, but the hits returned will be scholarly articles and other academic sources, depending on the subject. In this guide, we highlight 8 tips for searching academic databases.

• Use college and university library networks.
• Search subject-specific databases.
• Set up search parameters.
• Ask a librarian for help.
• Narrow or broaden your search, as needed.
• Use the pro features, where applicable.
• Try a more general database.
• Keep track of seminal works.

Tip: The best practice is to use the links provided on your library's website to access academic databases.

Most academic databases cannot be accessed for free. As authoritative resources, these multi-disciplinary databases are comprehensive collections of the current literature on a broad range of topics. Because they have a huge range of publications, public access is sometimes restricted.

College and university libraries pay for subscriptions to popular academic databases. As a student, staff, or faculty member, you can access these resources from home thanks to proxy connections.

➡️ Check out our list of EZProxy connections to see if your institution provides such a service.

Tip: Searching the right databases is key to finding the right academic journals.

Around 2.5 million articles are published EACH year. As a result, it's important to search the right database for the reference you need. Comprehensive databases often contain subject-specific resources and filters and these will help you narrow down your search results. Otherwise, you will have to screen too many unrelated papers that won't give you the reference you want.

Ask a librarian or check your library's A-Z resource list to find out which databases you can access. If you do not know where to start, you can check out the three biggest academic database providers:

➡️ Take a look at our compilations of research databases for computer science or healthcare .

Unlike in a Google search, typing in full sentences will not bring you satisfactory results. Some strategies for narrowing search parameters include:

• Narrowing your search terms in order to get the most pertinent information from the scholarly resources you are reviewing
• Narrowing results by filters like specific date range or source type
• Using more specific keywords

If your university library has a subject specialist in your field, you may want to contact them for guidance on keywords and other subject- and database-specific search strategies. Consider asking a librarian to meet you for a research consultation.

A specific search might not return as many results. This can be good because these results will most likely be current and applicable. If you do not get enough results, however, slowly expand the:

• type of journal

From there, you'll be able to find a wider variety of related technical reports, books, academic journals, and other potential results that you can use for your research.

Academic search engines and databases are getting smart! In the age of big data and text mining, many databases crunch millions of scientific papers to extract connections between them. Watch out for things like:

• related relevant articles
• similar academic resources
• list of "cited by" or "citations"
• list of references

When you have thoroughly finished searching a comprehensive database, you can move on to another to find more results. Some databases that cover the same topics might give you the same search results, but they might also cover an entire range of different journals or online resources.

You might prefer the search system of one database over another based on the results you get from keyword searches. One database might have more advanced search options than the other. You can also try a more general database like:

• Web Of Science

➡️ Visit our list of the best academic research databases .

There are experts in every field, people who have published a lot of scholarly content on your topic, people who get quoted or interviewed a lot and seem to be present almost everywhere. Pay attention to those names when searching a database and once you have found someone interesting, you can search for more from that person.

Also, take note of seminal articles, or those works that have been cited repeatedly within your field. Many major databases for academic journals have features that allow you to quickly determine which articles are cited most frequently.

➡️ Ready to start writing your paper? Visit our guide on how to start a research paper .

Your institution's library provides access to plenty of online research databases. They are among the best sources to turn to when you need to find articles from scholarly journals and periodicals.

Searching the right databases is key to finding the right articles. Ask a librarian or check your library's website to access details. If you do not know where to start, check out the three biggest academic database providers:

Or take a look at our compilation of research database for computer science or healthcare .

You can narrow your search by only including articles within a specific date range or unchecking certain types of journals or magazines that are included in the database but have nothing to do with your topic. Make sure to also use very specific keywords when searching.

Unlike in a Google search, typing in full sentences will not bring you satisfactory results. There are different methods to search different databases. Ask a librarian or do an internet search on how to best search your particular database.

Narrowing down a search might not return many results. If you do not get enough results, slowly expand the date range, type of journal, or keywords.

What is a Research Databases?

In the ever-evolving world of academia and research, staying ahead of the curve requires unfettered access to a vast wealth of knowledge.

As researchers, students, and knowledge-seekers, we strive to uncover groundbreaking insights, delve into the depths of human understanding, and contribute to the expanding boundaries of human intellect.

Amid this pursuit of knowledge, research databases stand as the unsung heroes, providing us with the key to unlocking the gates of an information goldmine.

In this digital age, the internet has transformed the way we access information, and research databases have emerged as the foundational pillars of academic exploration.

Offering a treasure trove of scholarly resources, these virtual repositories are meticulously curated to cater to the unique needs of researchers from diverse disciplines.

From peer-reviewed articles and conference proceedings to patents and historical archives, research databases are the beacons guiding us through the labyrinth of academic literature.

Join us as we embark on an illuminating journey to unravel the power of research databases. In this blog post, we will explore what research databases are, their vital role in supporting academic endeavors, and the remarkable advantages they present to the enquiring minds of the scholarly community.

Whether you are a seasoned researcher seeking a more efficient way to navigate through the sea of publications or a student eager to hone your skills in literature review, this blog will serve as your compass, pointing you towards the invaluable resources that lie just a few clicks away.

Step into the realm of research databases, where knowledge knows no bounds, and discoveries await those with the curiosity to seek them.

Let us dive into this digital realm of information and harness the potential that research databases hold in reshaping the future of knowledge acquisition and creation.

What is a research database?

A research database is a structured collection of digital information and resources that are specifically designed to support academic and scholarly research. These databases gather and organize a wide range of materials, such as academic journals, research papers, conference proceedings, books, theses, patents, and more, making it easier for researchers to access and retrieve relevant information on a particular topic.

Research databases play a crucial role in the academic community, as they provide a centralized and organized repository of high-quality, peer-reviewed, and reliable sources that researchers can use to find literature related to their research interests. These databases are typically accessible through online platforms and are searchable using various criteria, including keywords, author names, publication dates, and more.

What are the benefits of using research databases?

The benefits of using research databases include:

1. Comprehensive Coverage

Databases often cover a broad range of disciplines, making it easier to find information across different fields.

2. Peer-reviewed Content

Many databases only include content that has undergone rigorous peer review, ensuring the reliability and quality of the sources.

3. Reliable resources

4. searchability.

Databases offer advanced search features that allow researchers to narrow down their search and find highly relevant materials quickly.

5. Citation Information

Databases often provide citation details for each source, making it easier for researchers to properly cite and reference the works they use.

6. Access to Full Text

Many databases provide direct access to full-text articles, reducing the need to go through multiple websites or paywalls.

Some examples of well-known research databases include PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, JSTOR, and Google Scholar.

Researchers, students, and academics often rely on research databases to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their fields, conduct literature reviews, and gather evidence for their research projects.

Related Guides

• ProQuest Database: A Powerful Research Tool with Nuances
• arXiv Repository: A Pioneering Open Access Resource for Scientific Research
• Scopus : Navigating the Vast Scholarly Landscape
• Jstor Database
• EconBiz Database Review: The Comprehensive Economics and Business Research Hub
• DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) : All You Need to Know

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What’s the difference between a research database and google, what’s the difference between a research database and google.

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As part of your research, your instructor may sometimes require you to use articles or other resources from the library’s research databases . But what is a research database and why are they useful?

A research database is an organized, searchable collection of information that allows you to quickly search many resources simultaneously. Databases can be general, such as Academic Search Complete or ProQuest , or subject-specific, such as PsycInfo , which has resources related to psychology, or America, History and Life , which has resources related to history.

So what makes a research database different than other search engines, like Google? There are a few important distinctions to keep in mind when you’re using a research database instead of Google. First, the types of information you’re searching are usually different. Google searches for results across the internet, including websites, while research databases typically include scholarly journal articles, popular magazine articles and newspapers, books, and videos. The content of a research database is also reviewed and updated regularly.

Also, how you search is different. Google uses natural language searching, which allows you to search using complete sentences, such as “How many moons does Jupiter have?”. Google also searches the full text of resources, which usually means you get many results, but not all of them are relevant to your search query. Research databases use more precise, keyword searching, and most don’t automatically search the full text of a resource. Keywords are words or phrases that describe the topic you’re researching, and you’ll want to use them when searching databases to locate the most relevant resources on your topic.

Also, while Google offers some advanced searching options , most people don’t need to use them to find what they’re looking for. However, advanced search options in research databases, such as filtering by date, language, document format, and peer review status, can be effective in retrieving more relevant, precise results. Google also uses ads and tracks its users based on what they’re searching and clicking on, which the library doesn’t.

Both Google and research databases can be useful depending on your information need, and results from both need to be evaluated for accuracy and credibility. If you’re searching for scholarly research in mechanical engineering, a subject-specific engineering database would be a better place to search than Google. However, if you’re looking for websites of professional engineering organizations , Google is the better search option.

If you still have questions about research databases and how to use them, contact UH Libraries for help.

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10 Free Research and Journal Databases

3-minute read

• 6th April 2019

Finding good research can be tough, especially when so much of it is locked behind paywalls . But there are free resources out there if you know where to look. So to help out, we’ve compiled a list of ten free academic search engines and databases that you should check out.

1. Google Scholar

Even if you’ve not used Google Scholar before, you’ll know Google. And, thus, you can probably guess that Google Scholar is a search engine dedicated to academic work. Not everything listed on Google Scholar will be freely available in full. But it is a good place to start if you’re looking for a specific paper, and many papers can be downloaded for free.

CORE is an open research aggregator. This means it works as a search engine for open access research published by organizations from around the world, all of which is available for free. It is also the world’s largest open access aggregator , so it is a very useful resource for researchers!

3. Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE)

Another dedicated academic search engine, BASE offers access to more than 140 million documents from more than 6,000 sources. Around 60% of these documents are open access, and you can filter results to see only research that is available for free online.

4. Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) is a database that lists around 12,000 open access journals covering all areas of science, technology, medicine, social science, and the humanities.

PubMed is a search engine maintained by the NCBI, part of the United States National Library of Medicine. It provides access to more than 29 million citations of biomedical research from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. The NCBI runs a similar search engine for research in the chemical sciences called PubChem , too, which is also free to use.

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6. E-Theses Online Service (EThOS)

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7. Social Science Research Network (SSRN)

SSRN is a database for research from the social sciences and humanities, including 846,589 research papers from 426,107 researchers across 30 disciplines. Most of these are available for free, although you may need to sign up as a member (also free) to access some services.

8. WorldWideScience

WorldWideScience is a global academic search engine, providing access to national and international scientific databases from across the globe. One interesting feature is that it offers automatic translation, so users can have search results translated into their preferred language.

9. Semantic Scholar

Semantic Scholar is an “intelligent” academic search engine. It uses machine learning to prioritize the most important research, which can make it easier to find relevant literature. Or, in Semantic Scholar’s own words, it uses influential citations, images, and key phrases to “cut through the clutter.”

10. Public Library of Science (PLOS)

PLOS is an open-access research organization that publishes several journals. But as well as publishing its own research, PLOS is a dedicated advocate for open-access learning. So if you appreciate the search engines and databases we’ve listed here, check out the rest of the PLOS site to find out more about their campaign to enable access to knowledge.

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What Is a Database?

A database is a systematic way of storing information so data can be accessed, analyzed, transformed, updated and moved with efficiency.

A database is simply a structured and systematic way of storing information to be accessed, analyzed, transformed, updated and moved (to other databases). 

To begin understanding databases, consider an Excel notebook or Google sheet. Spreadsheets like these are a basic form of a table. Databases are almost exclusively organized in tables and those tables have rows and columns. So, think of a simple database as a collection of spreadsheets (or tables) joined together in a systematic way.

Database Definition

A database is a way for organizing information, so users can quickly navigate data, spot trends and perform other actions. Although databases may come in different formats, most are stored on computers for greater convenience.

Databases are stored on servers either on-premises at an organization’s office or off-premises at an organization’s data center (or even within their cloud infrastructure). Databases come in many formats in order to do different things with various types of data. 

Related Reading From Built In Experts Python Databases 101: How to Choose a Database Library

Why Do We Use Databases?

Computerized databases were first introduced to the world in the 1960s and have since become the foundation for products, analysis, business processes and more. Many of the services you use online every day (banking, social media, shopping, email) are all built on top of databases.

Today, databases are used for many reasons.

Databases Hold Data Efficiently

We use databases because they are an extremely efficient way of holding vast amounts of data and information. Databases around the world store everything from your credit card transactions to every click you make within one of your social media accounts. Given there are nearly eight billion people on the planet,  that’s a lot of data . 

Databases Allow Smooth Transactions

Databases allow access to various services which, in turn, allow you to access your accounts and perform transactions all across the internet. For example, your bank’s login page will ping a database to figure out if you’ve entered the right password and username. Your favorite online shop pings your credit card’s database to pull down the funds needed for you to buy that item you’ve been eyeing. 

Databases Update Information Quickly

Databases allow for easy information updates on a regular basis. Adding a video to your TikTok account, directly depositing your salary into your bank account or buying a plane ticket for your next vacation are all updates made to a database and displayed back to you almost instantaneously. 

Databases Simplify Data Analysis

Databases make research and data analysis much easier because they are highly structured storage areas of data and information. This means businesses and organizations can easily analyze databases once they know how a database is structured. Common structures (e.g. table formats, cell structures like date or currency fields) and common database querying languages (e.g.,  SQL ) make database analysis easy and efficient. 

What Is a Database Management System?

A database management system (DBMS) is a software package we use to create and manage databases. In other words, a DBMS makes it possible for users to actually interact with the database. In other words, the DBMS is the user interface (UI) that allows us to access, add, modify and delete content from the database. There are several types of database management systems, including relations, non-relational and hierarchical.

Evolution of Databases

Storing information is nothing new, but the rise of computers in the 1960s marked a shift toward more digital forms of databases. While working for GE, Charles Bachman created the Integrated Data Store, ushering in a new age of computerized databases. IBM soon followed suit with its Information Management System, a hierarchical database. 

In the 1970s, IBM’s Edgar F. Codd released a paper touting the benefits of relational databases, leading to IBM and the University of California, Berkeley releasing their own models. Relational databases became popular in the following years, with more businesses developing models and using Structured Query Language (SQL). Even though object-oriented databases became an alternative in the 1980s, relational databases remained the gold standard. 

The invention of the World Wide Web led to greater demand for databases in the 1990s. MySQL and NoSQL databases entered the scene, competing with the commercial databases developed by businesses. Object-oriented databases also began to replace relational databases in popularity.        

During the 2000s and 2010s, organizations began to collect larger volumes of data, and many turned to the scalability offered by NoSQL databases. Distributed databases provided another way to organize this proliferating data , storing it away in multiple locations.  

Types of Databases

There are many types of databases used today. Below are some of the more prominent ones.

1. Hierarchical Databases 

Hierarchical databases were the earliest form of databases. You can think of these databases like a simplified family tree. There’s a singular parent object (like a table) that has child objects (or tables) under it. A parent can have one or many child objects but a child object only has one parent. The benefit of these databases are that they’re incredibly fast and efficient plus there’s a clear, threaded relationship from one object to another. The downside to hierarchical databases is that they’re very rigid and highly structured. 

2. Relational Databases  

Relational databases are perhaps the most popular type of database. Relational databases are set up to connect their objects (like tables) to each other with keys. For example, there might be one table with user information (name, username, date of birth, customer number) and another table with purchase information (customer number, item purchased, price paid). In this example, the key that creates a relationship between the tables is the customer number. 

3. Non-Relational or NoSQL Databases  

Non-relational databases were invented more recently than relational databases and hierarchical databases in response to the growing complexity of web applications. Non-relational databases are any database that doesn’t use a relational model. You might also see them referred to as  NoSQL databases . Non-relational databases store data in different ways such as unstructured data, structured document format or as a graph. Relational databases are based on a rigid structure whereas non-relational databases are more flexible.

4. Cloud Databases

Cloud databases refer to information that’s accessible in a hybrid or cloud environment. All users need is an internet connection to reach their files and manipulate them like any other database. A convenience of cloud databases is that they don’t require extra hardware to create more storage space. Users can either build a cloud database themselves or pay for a service to get started.

5. Centralized Databases

Centralized databases are contained within a single computer or another physical system. Although users may access data through devices connected within a network, the database itself operates from one location. This approach may work best for larger companies or organizations that want to prioritize data security and efficiency.

6. Distributed Databases

Distributed databases run on more than one device. That can be as simple as operating several computers on the same site, or a network that connects to many devices. An advantage of this method is that if one computer goes down, the other computers and devices keep functioning.  

7. Object-Oriented Databases 

Object-oriented databases perceive data as objects and classes. Objects are specific data — like names and videos — while classes are groups of objects. Storing data as objects means users don’t have to distribute data across tables. This makes it easier to determine the relationships between variables and analyze the data. 

8. Graph Databases

Graph databases highlight the relationships between various data points. While users may have to do extra work to determine trends in other types of databases, graph databases store relationships right next to the data itself. Users can then immediately see how various data points are connected to each other.  

What Are the Components of a Database?

The components of a database vary slightly depending on whether the database is hierarchical, relational or non-relational. However, here’s a list of database components you might expect to be associated with any database.

The database schema is essentially the  design of the database . A schema is developed at the early conceptual stages of building a database. It’s also a valuable source of ongoing information for those wanting to understand the database’s design. 

Constraints and Rules

Databases use constraints to determine what types of tables can (and cannot) be stored and what types of data can live in the columns or rows of the database tables, for example. These constraints are important because they ensure data is structured, less corruptible by unsanctioned  data structures and that the database is regulated so users know what to expect. These constraints are also the reason why databases are considered rigid.

Metadata is essentially the data about the data. Each database or object has metadata, which the database software reads in order to understand what’s in the database. You can think of metadata as the database schema design and constraints combined together so a machine knows what kind of database it is and what actions can (or can’t) be performed within the database. 

Query Language

Each database can be queried. In this case, “queried” means people or services can access the database. That querying is done by way of a particular language or code snippet. The most common querying language is SQL (Structured Query Language) but there are also many other languages and even SQL variations like  MySQL , Presto and Hive.

Each database is a collection of objects. There are a few different types of objects stored within databases such as tables, views, indexes, sequences and synonyms. The most well known of these are tables, like spreadsheets, that store data in rows and columns. You may also hear the term “object instance,” which is simply an instance or element of an object. For example, a table called “Transactions” in a database is an instance of the object-type table.

Database Advantages

The structured nature of databases offers a range of benefits for professional and casual users alike. Below are some of the more prominent advantages:  

• Improved data sharing and handling
• Improved data storage capacity
• Improved data integrity and data security
• Reduced data inconsistency 
• Quick data access
• Increased productivity
• Improved data-driven decision making  

Database Disadvantages

Although databases can be helpful for many, there are some limitations to consider before investing in a database: 

• High complexity
• Required dedicated database management staff
• Risk of database failure​

Applications of Databases

When used correctly, databases can be a helpful tool for organizations in various industries looking to better arrange their information. Common use cases include:

• Healthcare: storing massive amounts of patient data .
• Logistics: monitoring and analyzing route information and delivery statuses.
• Insurance: storing customer data like addresses, policy details and driver history.
• Finance: handling account details, invoices, stock information and other assets.
• E-commerce: compiling and arranging data on products and customer behavior.
• Transportation: storing passengers’ names, scheduled flights and check-in status.
• Manufacturing: keeping track of machinery status and production goals.
• Marketing: collecting data on demographics, purchasing habits and website visits.
• Education: tracking student grades, course schedules and more.
• Human resources: organizing personnel info, benefits and tax information.

Future of Databases

As organizations handle increasing amounts of data, future databases must be able to keep up. Users will expect databases to be accessible across the globe and able to deal with limitless volumes of data. As a result, it’s likely that more companies will migrate their data to cloud environments. The percent of data stored in the cloud doubled between 2015 and 2022, and there’s reason to believe this percentage will only grow in the years to come. 

With the increase in data has also come a spike in cybersecurity threats , so organizations can be expected to complement their cloud environments with reinforced security measures . Databases will become more easily accessible only for authorized personnel while companies adopt tools and best practices for keeping their data out of the wrong hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a database and a spreadsheet.

Spreadsheets organize data into rows and columns, with each individual cell housing the actual data. Databases also employ rows and columns, but each cell contains a record of data gathered from an external table. As a result, databases provide more ways to arrange and structure information as opposed to spreadsheets.

What is the most commonly used database type?

The most commonly used database type is the relational database.

What is the definition of a database?

A database is highly organized information that is designed to be easily accessible and navigable for users. Most databases are stored on computers, making it possible to quickly analyze, transform and manipulate data in other ways.

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Get facts and insights on topics that matter, jun 18, 2024 | mobile connections and data, forecast number of 5g mobile subscriptions worldwide 2023-2028.

There were an estimated 1.9 billion fifth generation (5G) subscriptions worldwide in 2023, with this figure set to reach 8 billion by 2028. 5G mobile technology offers a range of benefits over previous generations, including superior download speeds and reduced latency.

Jun 18, 2024 | Crime & Law Enforcement

World's most dangerous cities, by murder rate 2024.

In 2024, Colima in Mexico ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a homicide rate of 140 per 100,000 inhabitants. Seven of the 10 cities with the highest murder rates worldwide are all found in Mexico. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist.

Except for Mandela Bay, all the cities on the list are found in Latin America. Latin America also dominate the list of the world's most dangerous countries . Violence in Latin America is caused in great part by drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and gang wars .

Mandela Bay in South Africa is the only city outside Latin America among the 10 most dangerous cities worldwide. The country is struggling with extremely high levels of inequality , and is struggling with high levels of crime and power outages , harming the country's economy and driving more people into unemployment and poverty.

Jun 24, 2024 | Renewable Energy

Share of solar electricity generation worldwide 2010-2023.

Solar energy accounted for roughly 5.5 percent of electricity generation worldwide in 2023, up from a 4.6 percent share a year earlier. That year, wind and solar generated nearly 12 percent of global electricity.

Jun 24, 2024 | Currencies

Bitcoin btc/usd price history up until jun 18, 2024.

Bitcoin (BTC) price again reached an all-time high in 2024, as values exceeded over 73,000 USD in March 2024. That particular price hike was connected to the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, whilst previous hikes in 2021 were due to events involving Tesla and Coinbase, respectively. Tesla's announcement in March 2021 that it had acquired 1.5 billion U.S. dollars' worth of the digital coin, for example, as well as the IPO of the U.S.' biggest crypto exchange fueled mass interest. The market was noticably different by the end of 2022, however, with Bitcoin prices reaching roughly 65,140.75 as of June 18, 2024 after another crypto exchange, FTX, filed for bankruptcy. Is the world running out of Bitcoin?Unlike fiat currency like the U.S. dollar - as the Federal Reserve can simply decide to print more banknotes - Bitcoin's supply is finite: BTC has a maximum supply embedded in its design , of which roughly 89 percent had been reached in April 2021. It is believed that Bitcoin will run out by 2040, despite more powerful mining equipment. This is because mining becomes exponentially more difficult and power-hungry every four years, a part of Bitcoin's original design. Because of this, a Bitcoin mining transaction could equal the energy consumption of a small country in 2021. Bitcoin's price outlook: a potential bubble?Cryptocurrencies have few metrices available that allow for forecasting, if only because it is rumored that only few cryptocurrency holders own a large portion of available supply. These large holders - referred to as 'whales' - are said to make up of two percent of anonymous ownership accounts, whilst owning roughly 92 percent of BTC. On top of this, most people who use cryptocurrency-related services worldwide are retail clients rather than institutional investors. This means outlooks on whether Bitcoin prices will fall or grow are difficult to measure, as movements from one large whale already having a significant impact on this market.

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All-time top-grossing actors in the u.s. & canada 2024, by total domestic box revenue.

As of June 2024, Samuel L. Jackson was the highest-grossing leading actor in the United States and Canada, which combined are known as the North American movie market. Movies featuring Jackson as a protagonist collectively amassed 5.85 billion U.S. dollars domestically. Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Pratt followed as their filmographies grossed 5.47 and 5.34 billion dollars at the North American box office, respectively. Meanwhile, the list of top-grossing film directors of all time included Steven Spielberg and the Russo brothers. Acting in Hollywood: who leads the way? One of the most influential film industries worldwide has seen an increasing percentage of women and people of color among its protagonists. The share of non-white lead actors in American cinema went from less than 11 percent in 2011 to about 22 percent a decade later. The gender distribution in Hollywood followed a similar pattern. In 2011, women accounted for roughly one-fourth of the lead roles in films in the U.S. In 2023, the share stood above 32 percent. Diversity at the Oscars Historically, the most prestigious ceremony in the U.S. film industry does not always the reality of the moviemaking sector or the country's population in general. For instance, 25 percent of Academy Award-winning movies in 2020 had female lead actors, the lowest percentage since 2016. Also in 2020, over 62 percent of Oscar-winning films had non-white directors – all the moviemakers rewarded at the 2011 ceremony were white.

Jun 18, 2024 | B2C E-Commerce

Top online stores in the u.s. 2023, by e-commerce net sales.

Amazon.com was the leading online store in the  U.S. e-commerce market, with e-commerce net sales of US$135,197 million in 2023 generated in the U.S., followed by walmart.com with US$64,935 million. Third place is taken by apple.com with revenues of US$25,857 million. Homedepot.com is the fourth-biggest online store in the U.S. with net sales of US$19,383 million in 2023.  For an extended ranking as well as rankings in specific product categories, please visit ecommerceDB.com . The eCommerceDB provides detailed information for over 30,000 online stores in more than 50 countries, including detailed revenue analytics, competitor analysis, market development, marketing budget, and interesting KPIs, such as traffic, shipping providers, payment options, social media activity and many more.

Jun 13, 2024 | Apps

Top grossing mobile games in china 2024.

China’s mobile game market is vibrant. In May 2024, Tencent's Honor of Kings remained the highest-grossing game app in the country, earning almost 152 million U.S. dollars in revenue. The second placeholder PUBG Mobile from Tencent was far behind. The much anticipated Dungeon & Fighter: Origins, released on May 21, 2024, rose to the third spot with nearly 64 million U.S. dollars. Honkai: Star Rail, the latest role-playing gacha game developed by miHoYo remained as seventh.

For many years, Tencent and NetEase have been the most successful Chinese game developers, holding the lion’s share of mobile gaming revenue . The former owns the super app WeChat and an extensive network of entertainment offerings. The mobile gaming business has been one of the profit pillars of Tencent, contributing nearly 30 percent of its annual revenue (555 billion yuan) in 2022. In comparison, NetEase was half the size of Tencent - 75 billion yuan in online game revenue in 2022.

Having arrived at the gaming scene relatively late in 2011, the Chinese studio miHoYo took eight years to catch global attention. In September 2020, the company grabbed the right timing to launch Genshin Impact during the pandemic. The role-playing game achieved two billion U.S. dollars of revenue within a year of release and continues to be a lucrative title in various markets . The company announced another blockbuster game Honkai: Star Rail in April 2023.

Jun 19, 2024 | Soccer

Players with the most uefa european championship goals 1960-2024.

As of June 19, 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo had scored the most UEFA European Championship goals, with a total of 14. In second place was former UEFA president Michel Platini, who scored nine EURO goals for France during his playing career.

Jun 20, 2024 | Elections

Voting intention in the united kingdom 2020-2024.

As of June 11, 2024, 38 percent of British adults would vote for the Labour Party in the next general election, due to be held on July 4, 2024, compared with 18 percent who would vote for the Conservative Party. The ruling Conservatives have trailed Labour in the polls throughout 2022 and 2023, with a huge gap emerging in September 2022 when Liz Truss came to power. Truss' short time as Prime Minister was widely seen as a disaster for the country and her party, and she was succeeded by Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister that October. Labour has maintained their lead in the polls since Sunak became Prime Minister, and would win the next general election based on the most recent polls. 

On May 22, 2024, Rishi Sunak announced his decision to hold the next UK general election on July 4. Unlike many other democracies, general elections in the UK have no fixed date, with the power to call one resting with the Prime Minister, although this must be done at least every five years. While the last election in 2019 was held in the winter, this was mainly due to the political crisis surrounding the UK's exit from the EU . Sunak's surprise announcement came shortly after some positive  economic figures were released in the UK. Sunak may hope this will improve his poor job ratings and perhaps boost the government's approval . The job of catching Labour in the polls by July may be a long shot for the Conservatives, especially as no ground was made up in 2023. 

After a tough 2022, in which Britain suffered through its worst cost of living crisis in a generation, the economy was consistently identified as the main issue facing the country , just ahead of healthcare. To respond to these concerns, Rishi Sunak started 2023 with five pledges; halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce national debt, cut NHS waiting times, and stop small boats. Over a year on from this announcement, just one pledge can be said to be realized, with CPI inflation falling from 10.1 percent at the start of the year to 2.3 percent by April 2024. There is some ambiguity regarding the success of some of the other pledges. The  economy shrank in the last two quarters of 2023 but has since started to grow again. National  debt has increased slightly, while small boat arrivals are down from 2022, but still higher than in most other years. The pledge to cut NHS waiting times was not fulfilled either, with the number of people awaiting treatment rising in 2023.

Jun 14, 2024 | Diamonds

Share of diamond exports from africa 2022, by country.

In 2022, Botswana accounted for around 35.1 percent of the diamonds exported from Africa. The country was the leading diamond exporter on the continent. South Africa and Angola followed, representing roughly 29 percent and 24 percent of Africa's diamond exports, respectively. Other main exporters were Namibia, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

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Why Are Vector Databases Critical For AI Strategy? Find Out At This Year’s Technology & Innovation Summit!

Noel Yuhanna , VP, Principal Analyst

Generative AI is revolutionizing data and analytics, but its applications demand advanced data management capabilities to handle vast, diverse, and complex datasets that include images, video, audio, documents, and text. Traditional databases were originally designed for structured data and exact matches, but they are proving insufficient for genAI models, which often operate in high-dimensional spaces and require searching for similarities.

Vector databases are advanced databases designed for optimized storage and retrieval of high-dimensional vector data. They excel in conducting large-scale similarity searches and streamlining data management for cutting-edge AI applications. Their key advantage lies in supporting specialized vector indexes, which enable fast query processing and deliver the high performance required for analyzing complex data.

At Forrester’s upcoming Technology & Innovation Summit North America , September 9–12, I will dig into the topic of vector databases. Data professionals will gain valuable insights into leveraging vector databases to elevate their AI strategy and implement industry best practices. This session will delve into the distinct advantages and practical applications of vector databases, highlighting their pivotal role for organizations dedicated to optimizing their AI strategy.

Here’s a preview of some of the topics that I’ll talk about in the session:

• Distinctive capabilities of vector databases. Unlike traditional databases, vector databases excel in efficiently storing and retrieving complex vector data that is generated by providers such as OpenAI, Hugging Face, and Cohere. By indexing vectors, the databases enable rapid execution of similarity searches. We will explore their distinct advantages over conventional databases.
• Choosing between native and multimodal vector databases. Native vector databases are purpose-built to efficiently manage complex, multidimensional vector data at scale. On the other hand, multimodal databases are now incorporating vector functionalities, including storage, indexing, and querying capabilities. In my presentation, we will analyze the strengths and limitations of both native vector databases and multimodal databases with vector support.
• Exploring diverse use cases for vector databases. As interest in models leveraging complex, high-dimensional data, particularly in generative AI applications, continues to surge, vector databases are gaining prominence with a multitude of emerging use cases. While retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) currently dominates, the landscape is poised to expand into non-RAG applications in the near future. We will explore diverse use case scenarios and unfold forthcoming developments in this evolving market.

Don’t miss out. I’ll be diving into the details at Technology & Innovation Summit North America , so check out the agenda and secure your spot!

Forrester clients can also register for the upcoming webinar, AI Unleashes A Data Renaissance , on July 25 to get a wider perspective on AI’s impact on data analysis. This webinar is part of our AI Advantage webinar series for clients.

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Why ai sometimes gets it wrong — and big strides to address it  .

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Wired  |  Jun 6, 2024

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Global trends in climate change litigation: 2024 snapshot

This report provides a numerical analysis of how many climate change litigation cases were filed in 2023, where and by whom, and a qualitative assessment of trends and themes in the types of cases filed. It is the sixth report in the series, produced by the Grantham Research Institute in partnership with the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and drawing on the Sabin Center’s Climate Change Litigation Databases . Each report provides a synthesis of the latest research and developments in the climate change litigation field.

Key messages

• At least 230 new climate cases were filed in 2023. Many of these are seeking to hold governments and companies accountable for climate action. However, the number of cases expanded less rapidly last year than previously, which may suggest a consolidation and concentration of strategic litigation efforts in areas anticipated to have high impact.
• Climate cases have continued to spread to new countries, with cases filed for the first time in Panama and Portugal in 2023.
• 2023 was an important year for international climate change litigation, with major international courts and tribunals being asked to rule and advise on climate change. Just 5% of climate cases have been brought before international courts, but many of these cases have significant potential to influence domestic proceedings.
• There were significant successes in ‘government framework’ cases in 2023; these challenge the ambition or implementation of a government’s overall climate policy response. The European Court of Human Rights’ decision in April 2024 in the case of KlimaSeniorinnen and ors. v. Switzerland is likely to lead to the filing of further cases.
• The number of cases concerning ‘climate-washing’ has grown in recent years. 47 such cases were filed in 2023, bringing the recorded total to more than 140. These cases have met with significant success, with more than 70% of completed cases decided in favour of the claimants.
• There were important developments in ‘polluter pays’ cases: more than 30 cases worldwide are currently seeking to hold companies accountable for climate-related harm allegedly caused by their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Litigants continue to file new ‘corporate framework’ cases, which seek to ensure companies align their group-level policies and governance processes with climate goals. The New Zealand Supreme Court allowed one such case to proceed, although cases filed elsewhere have been dismissed. The landmark case of Milieudefensie v. Shell is under appeal.
• In this year’s analysis a new category of ‘transition risk’ cases was introduced, which includes cases filed against corporate directors and officers for their management of climate risks. Shareholders of Enea approved a decision to bring such a case against former directors for planned investments in a new coal power plant in Poland.
• ESG backlash cases, which challenge the incorporation of climate risk into financial decision-making.
• Strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP) suits against NGOs and shareholder activists that seek to deter them from pursuing climate agendas.
• Just transition cases, which challenge the distributional impacts of climate policy or the processes by which policies were developed, normally on human rights grounds.
• Green v. green cases, which concern potential trade-offs between climate and biodiversity or other environmental aims.

Recent previous reports in the series:

2023 snapshot

2022 snapshot

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Chemistry Education Research and Practice

Why do we assess students investigating general chemistry instructors’ conceptions of assessment purposes and their relationships to assessment practices.

Assessment plays a critical role in instruction and curriculum. Existing literature on instructors’ assessment practices and related factors has been intensively focused on primary and secondary education. This study extended the contexts of previous literature to post-secondary chemistry education by exploring general chemistry instructors’ conceptions of assessment purposes and their assessment practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 general chemistry instructors from 14 institutions across the East Coast region of the United States of America. The results demonstrate that instructors predominately perceive the purpose of Assessment of Learning (i.e., evaluation of student performance) with only few of them mentioning purposes of Assessment for Learning (i.e., assessment provides actionable feedback for both the instructors and the students) and Assessment as Learning (i.e., assessment promotes self-regulation). The use of various assessment practices is related to the number of assessment purposes instructors recognize. In addition, the study demonstrates that instructors perceive their assessment practices to be influenced by academic culture and departmental norms. This nuanced understanding can guide practical and research efforts to improve chemistry instructors’ engagement in assessment reforms.

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L. Shi, Y. Wang, J. K. Mitchell-Jones and M. Stains, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 2024, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D4RP00147H

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