As climate-related disasters intensify, specialists stress the need for interconnected global databases and improved early warning systems to safeguard vulnerable communities.

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Date: December 12 Thursday
Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (UTC+8) / 02:30 – 04:30 UTC
Registration Link: https://odw.kktix.cc/events/webinar-rdm2024
Language: English
Registration limit: 100 participants.

The post What is Research Data Management, and how can the depositar help? | Free Webinar, 12 December appeared first on CODATA, Committee on Data of the ISC.

	Title: Advancing Global Resilience through Open Data Resources and Services in Disaster Risk Reduction Author: Lili Zhang, Jianhui Li, Xueting Li, Fang Lian, Robert R. Downs, Bapon Fakhruddin, Qunli Han URL: http://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2024-054
	Title: Conversion of XYZ Tile Data into Grid Square Data and Their Application to Tsunami Risk Assessment Author: Kosuke Nakata, Aki-Hiro Sato URL: http://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2024-053
	Title: Organizing Scientific Knowledge from Engineering Sciences Using the Open Research Knowledge Graph: The Tailored Forming Process Chain Use Case Author: Oliver Karras, Laura Budde, Paulina Merkel, Jörg Hermsdorf, Malte Stonis, Ludger Overmeyer, Bernd-Arno Behrens, Sören Auer URL: http://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2024-052

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For more information see https://ictd.org/

Registration: https://ictd.org/participate-2/registration/

The ICTD 2024 conference aims at reflecting the multidisciplinary and multisectoral nature of ICTD work, with representation from a broad range of areas (anthropology, communication, computer science, design, economics, electrical engineering, geography, global health, information science, political science, sociology, and many others), as well as participation from academia, industry, civil society, and government. In particular, the conference is intended to contribute to the strengthening and acceleration of the Kenya government digital transformation towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conference will draw participants from across the globe with 19 different nationalities already confirmed to attend while registration is still open.  The conference will support both physical and virtual attendance with a projected average number of 300 participants.

The ICTD conferences have been taking place approximately every 18 months since 2006. ICTD 2006 — Berkeley, CA, USA (proceedings), ICTD 2007 — Bangalore, India (proceedings), ICTD 2009 — Doha, Qatar (proceedings), ICTD 2010 — London, UK (proceedings), ICTD 2012 — Atlanta, GA, USA (proceedings), ICTD 2013 — Cape Town, South Africa (proceedings), ICTD 2015, — Singapore (proceedings), ICTD 2016 — Ann Arbor, MI, USA (proceedings),  ICTD 2017 — Lahore, Pakistan (proceedings), ICTD 2019 — Ahmedabad, India (proceedings),  ICTD 2020 — Guayaquil, Ecuador and now ICTD 2024 -Nairobi, Kenya (https://ictd.org/) scheduled for 9-11 December, 2004.

Download the flyer

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The document presents the policy recommendations from the WorldFAIR project. It synthesises the project’s findings and presents recommendations for specific stakeholders, for the European Open Science Cloud and other Research Infrastructures globally.

To meet the challenges and opportunities confronting 21st century science, including the need to support interdisciplinary research and the impact of AI, it calls for a shift to a data engineering approach and for investment in metadata uplift and the implementation of the FAIR principles to enable this.

The Policy Brief makes eleven policy recommendations relevant to EOSC and to other research infrastructures.  These include recommendations to enable a transition to a data engineering approach to data stewardship, support for metadata uplift and investment in technologies and approaches that facilitate data aggregation and data integration for interdisciplinary, grand challenge research areas. Recommendations are also made to reinforce reproducible and transparent research and to support responsible use of AI.

Hodson, S., & Gregory, A. (2024). WorldFAIR Final Policy Brief: Enabling Global FAIR Data – Recommendations for Research Infrastructures (Version 2). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14236140

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ICRI Side Event, Monday 2 December, 13:00-17:00 Brisbane, AEST (03:00-07:00 UTC)

Register for remote participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsfuGvqT0tGdMFct3hKRoyci2ClK051g1o

Research Infrastructures now play a crucial role in providing data products that support interdisciplinary research and address global challenges through the integration and analysis of diverse data. The WorldFAIR project demonstrates that a fundamental shift from the current bibliographic approach to data stewardship to a data engineering approach is required.  

In addition to making policy recommendations that call for this fundamental shift, WorldFAIR published the first part of the Cross-Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF). The CDIF is an emerging set of guidelines around domain-agnostic standards for supporting the implementation of interoperability and reusability of FAIR data, especially across domain- and institutional boundaries. CDIF identifies a set of functional requirements and makes recommendations for addressing these based on widely used and emerging standards.

In this session, we will present the outcomes of the WorldFAIR project, discuss its continuation in a broad set of aligned projects and address how Research Infrastructures can prepare data to better meet communities’ research needs. We will explore the drivers behind this new role, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the necessary investments in infrastructure, technology, standards, and capacities to support these developments. Most importantly past, present and potential case studies will present their work and discuss the implications for research infrastructures.

Program

1. 13:00-14:30: WorldFAIR Phase One 
   • 10 mins – WorldFAIR Phase One and its objectives (Simon Hodson, CODATA) 
   • WorldFAIR Phase One: Presentations by 2 of the 11 WorldFAIR Case studies (talks to be a mix of what was achieved and implications for RI investments)
     • 10 mins – The Social Surveys Case Study (Steve McEarchern, UKDA) 
     • 10 mins- The Geochemistry Case Study: (Lesley Wyborn, ANU, ARDC) 
   • 15 mins – Bringing together the 11 WorldFAIR Case Studies to create the Common Data Interoperability Framework (Simon Hodson) 
   • 15 mins – Enabling Policy Recommendations from WorldFAIR for Research Infrastructures (Simon Hodson, CODATA).
   • 30 min Open discussion (Facilitator – Hamish Holewa, ARDC)
2.  14:30-15:00: Afternoon tea
3. 15:00-15:45: WorldFAIR Plus 
   • 10 min – WorldFAIR Plus overview (Simon Hodson, CODATA)
   • 15 min – Scientific Drivers for WorldFAIR Plus: The Ambition: Combining FAIR Data Across the Earth Systems Spheres and beyond to support a Sustainable Planet (Tim Rawling, AuScope)
4. WorldFAIR Plus Projects: Confirmed and Potential Projects 
   • 5 mins – Overview of confirmed new projects (Simon Hodson, CODATA)
   • 5 mins – Implementing CDIF across multiple Geoscience domains and at scale (HPC)  (Rebecca Farrington, AuScope)
   • 5 mins – Towards a CDIF for Plant Phenomics (Donald Hobern, APPN)
   • 5 mins –  CDIF in UKDA/CESSDA (Bonnie Wolff-Boenisch, CESSDA)
5. 15:45-16:30: WorldFAIR Plus for You: Round table participant discussions (Simon Hodson, CODATA – Facilitator)
   • 5 mins – Introduction to the Round tables on potential WorldFAIR Plus projects
   • 40 mins – In your domain, how would you design/promote a need for a case study for WorldFAIR Plus:
     • What is a research issue, with a data interoperability or data challenge, in your domain or cross domain that you could address in a WorldFAIR Plus case study
     • To enable this, what are the priority (FAIR) infrastructure, data and metadata challenges that you need to address?
     • Please describe a project that might undertake which could be a project or case study that you could connect to WF+ based on
       • FIPs
       • CDIF implementation.
     • Report back: What is the research area, what sort of data is needed, what is the interoperability challenge, how would you use FIPs or implement CDIF?
6. 16:30-17:00: Report back and next steps forward. (Simon Hodson, CODATA)

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FAIR Digital Objects and the Cross-Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF)

On 26 November, CODATA and the FAIR Digital Objects Forum held a joint workshop on FAIR Digital Objects and the Cross-Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF) which explored the potential links between various flavours of FDOs and the CDIF.

The recording and presentations are now available!

Agenda

Background

CDIF

The Cross-Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF) is a set of guidelines for using existing domain-neutral standards and technologies for the exchange of FAIR data and related resources. CDIF, currently in its first version, was a product of the EC-funded WorldFAIR project which looked at FAIR implementations across 11 domains.

WorldFAIR+ activities are continuing through a set of aligned projects, and further work to implement, refine and extend CDIF is underway. The focus is on establishing a core set of metadata fields, implemented in a common, predictable fashion, to enable the exchange of data and metadata across domain and infrastructure boundaries. It relies on common web architectures/technologies, and recommends the use of web standards (such as Schema.org, DCAT, SKOS, etc.) in a coordinated fashion, expressed as JSON-LD. The goal is to establish a practical approach to FAIR implementation which is feasible today, using common technologies, standards, and approaches.

A set of common functions required for FAIR implementation has been identified, including discovery and cataloguing, provision of integration-ready data described at a granular level, automated negotiation of access, and the dissemination of controlled vocabularies. This set of functions will be expanded in the next CDIF iteration to cover provenance and context around data resources, support for common binary formats, and preparing data for use in LLM training sets. The work will also extend to semantic mapping and the role of disseminating repositories.

FAIR Digital Objects (FDOs) are a necessary part of FAIR exchange, reflecting the packaging needed for dissemination and archiving functions. The approach to FDOs within CDIF will emphasize the “webby” implementation of FDOs. While no final decisions have yet been made, the use of RO Crate is one option which has been identified. Further, Signposting is already one of the recommended implementation options for navigation of FAIR resources. The employment of “webby” FDOs is driven by the need for a solution based on common existing architectures and implementations, without dictating to users the granularity of what is exchanged.

CDIF is not a standard or technology platform itself: it recommends the use of other standards and technologies. It is a practical exercise, with the expectation that the CDIF recommendations will be adjusted as practice evolves and new options gain traction in the marketplace.

References:

What is the Cross Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF)?

CDIF was first released in May 2024 as an output of the WorldFAIR project: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11236871

The point of reference for CDIF and its component profiles is now the CDIF Book.

FAIR Digital Objects

The FDOs are simple units of information: A PID points to a persistent structure that contains a set of attribute value pairs. When a client submits such a PID to a resolver, the attribute-value pairs are returned. These attribute-value pairs should include all relevant properties of a Digital Object stored in some repositories. Of course, the attribute set should include references to the various copies of the bit-sequence encoding some content, to all kinds of metadata including rights and if necessary, even to smart contracts, and should include a set of properties of the bit-sequence such as its Type, its Checksum, its Size, etc. To make this unit of information FAIR the FDO specifications request the following for machine actionability: (1) The set of attributes being included in the structure needs to be defined by an FDO Profile. (2) All attributes being used need to be defined and registered in recognized open registries.

There are two mandatory attributes to be included: (1) the reference to the FDO Profile and (2) the Type of the FDO. In the case of Data FDOs[1] there must be references to the data and metadata. All other attributes are optional, and it is known that repositories would like to add various properties to facilitate their work. Optional attribute names and definitions must be defined and registered in open registries. The Type information allows owners to establish relationships with operations which would be the opening to enhanced machine actionability and a way to encapsulation which is a powerful concept known from object-oriented programming.

Using these specifications, we can state that FDOs (1) are simple, machine actionable and generic units of information based on an established core data model,(2) can be connected via adaptors to all well-organized repositories to let their internally managed bit-sequences appear as FDOs to the outside world, (3) are independent of any technology and specific data organization and modelling as may be used by the connected repositories, (4) are creating a unified integrated domain which does not require central institutions and therefore is not restricted by any border, (5) are an excellent step to agree on a unified interface protocol.

References:

FDO Overview: https://zenodo.org/records/7824714

FDO Requirement Specifications: https://zenodo.org/records/7782262

Data FDOs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ySd4HB89nXYopUe0HK0bzCdbf8Zx5_Jl/view?usp=sharing

[1] There are different configuration types of FDOs. Some indeed contain data, others may, for example, simply contain references to other FDOs that then refer to data.

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The International Science Council’s Committee on Data (CODATA) and World Data System (WDS), and the Research Data Alliance (RDA), are delighted to announce registration for International Data Week 2025 is now open!

IDW 2025 will be taking place in Brisbane/Meanjin, Australia, 13–16 October 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. IDW 2025 is offering multiple registration types, including participant, student, low-middle-income country registration, and even single day registrations; there’s sure to be a registration type to suit you. 

All full delegates receive access to all IDW 2025 sessions Monday 13 October – Thursday 16 October 2025, access to the Exhibition, daily catering, a ticket to the Welcome Reception and the opportunity to purchase a ticket to the IDW 2025 Dinner which is sure to be a fantastic evening. 

Why not confirm your attendance early and reap the savings by registering at the early bird rate!

Join our koala competition

We can’t wait to welcome you to our country, but before you visit us, we want to see the IDW 2025 koala in your home country! Take a picture of yourself with a koala in front of a famous landmark or even just your favourite spot in your hometown or home country.  

You will go into the drawing to win one of two complimentary full registrations to IDW 2025. One of the winners will be chosen by the IDW 2025 Organising Committee and the other will be a People’s Choice Award, both will be awarded in early 2025. The shortlisted entries will be featured in a future ezine where delegates will be able to vote for our People’s Choice Winner. 

To enter the competition, follow the below steps:

• Find yourself a koala. It can be either a clip-on koala, a koala plush toy, or even a printed image of a koala.
• Photograph yourself and your koala in a fun, creative, exotic, or interesting location in your home country.
• Email the photograph along with the below details to IDW 2025 Secretariat.
  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • Name of the location and country where the photo is taken.
• Post the photo on your social media accounts and hashtag #IDW2025KoalaCompetition #IDW2025

The competition closes Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

Sponsorship & Exhibition

The Organising Committee of the International Data Week 2025 invites you and your organisation to be part of the premier international data Conference.

IDW takes place every two years and is the leading international conference on research data. It is jointly organised by the International Science Council’s Committee on Data (CODATA) and World Data System (WDS), and the Research Data Alliance (RDA). It combines the RDA Plenary Meeting, the biannual meeting of this international member organisation working to develop and support global infrastructure facilitating data sharing and reuse, with SciDataCon, the scientific conference addressing the frontiers of data in research organised by CODATA and WDS. This is the premier opportunity for organisations to network and engage with industry leading professionals.

This year’s theme of Data for Positive Change highlights our commitment to the role of data in instituting change by empowering communities and advancing research – and we’d love to have you join us!

As part of our thanks, we want to ensure that your corporate support is a worthwhile investment and a sound business decision. Please download the prospectus to find out more about the benefits associated with being a Corporate Supporter of the IDW 2025.

The organisers

Our partners

Contact Us

IDW 2025 is proudly managed by

ICMS Australasia PO Box 3599 South Brisbane, QLD, Australia P: +61 7 3255 1002 E: jessicam@icmsaust.com.au

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Could YOU help improve and sustain the RDM Terminology?  If so, please apply – applications close at 12 noon CET on 13 December 2024: https://codata.org/application-form-codata-rdm-terminology-wg-2025/

Our aims:

The aim of the WG is to maintain a stable and sustainably-governed standard terminology of community-accepted terms and definitions for concepts relevant to research data management, and to keep this terminology relevant by maintaining it as a ‘living document’ that is updated regularly.  To that end, the RDM Terminology Working Group uses a lightweight and pragmatic biennial process to review the current terminology and suggest any edits, additions and removals that are required in order to develop and improve this important reference resource.

Who we’re looking for:

We aim to recruit a group of 12–14 people for one review cycle.  Full details of our procedure are available here and all activities will take place in line with the CODATA Code of Conduct.  We encourage you to apply if you are:

• working in research data management practice, policy and advocacy roles, and/or aligned professions (such as data stewardship, digital preservation, digital curation, open science advocacy, etc.);
• fluent in English;
• keen to collaborate positively and constructively with an international group of colleagues both as a group and independently;
• willing to progress your reviewing activity independently between meetings.

Meetings will be online at times as convenient as possible for the majority of the group. WG members are expected to have expertise in research data management and related areas but participation will not require familiarity with any specific technical platform. Previous WG participants are welcome to apply. Equally, we encourage new participants – you will be guided and supported throughout the review process.

How to apply:

Applications for the 2025 Working Group are now open and will close at 12 noon CET on Friday 13 December 2024.  Please apply here:

https://codata.org/application-form-codata-rdm-terminology-wg-2025/

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the Terminology, the Working Group, or your potential suitability, please email WG convenor Laura Molloy at laura[AT]codata.org before the application deadline.

Please share this call for participants with your network.  Thank you for helping to keep this valued resource up-to-date and useful for the RDM community!

The post CODATA RDM Terminology Working Group 2025: applications now open for the next review of the RDMT! Deadline 13 Dec 2024. appeared first on CODATA, Committee on Data of the ISC.