Virtual Research Environments (VREs) are web based infrastructures of high interoperability which provide not only the interface but also the software, services and tools to tailor effectively the needs of a particular research community in a web environment. Research communities that make use of virtual research environments are called Virtual Research Communities (VREs). Their purpose is to enhance collaboration among researchers through the systematic use of information technology and networking software. They may serve the purposes of a specific research project, an institutions’ research activity or activities that extend across institutional research activities.