16. A computer-implemented method of generating a simplified ontology comprising: using a computer processor for: loading an original ontology from a data store; simplifying the original ontology to produce a simplified ontology by: generating an abstraction of the original ontology; and applying at least one transformation to the abstraction for producing a simplified ontology; and generating the simplified ontology; wherein the ontology is a formal explicit description of concepts in a domain of discourse (classes or concepts), properties of each concept describing various features and attributes of the concept (slots, roles, or properties), and restrictions on slots (facets or role restrictions), defining a common vocabulary for researchers who need to share information in a domain.
16. A computer-implemented method of generating a simplified ontology comprising: using a computer processor for: loading an original ontology from a data store; simplifying the original ontology to produce a simplified ontology by: generating an abstraction of the original ontology; and applying at least one transformation to the abstraction for producing a simplified ontology; and generating the simplified ontology; wherein the ontology is a formal explicit description of concepts in a domain of discourse (classes or concepts), properties of each concept describing various features and attributes of the concept (slots, roles, or properties), and restrictions on slots (facets or role restrictions), defining a common vocabulary for researchers who need to share information in a domain. 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 , wherein applying the at least one transformation comprises: eliminating concepts in the abstraction, comprising inserting new concepts that simplify said original ontology.