Data Management Task Force report from e-IRG

In 2008, the e-IRG decided to launch a task force to investigate the numerous European activities related to the management of scientific data, and to contribute to the definition of common and shared policies in this field. After months of intensive discussion and work, the task force released its final report investigating the issue in a comprehensive way, and setting a few recommendations. The final report and the recommendations were jointly endorsed by the e-IRG, on 30 November 2009, and by ESFRI, on 11 December 2009.

A fundamental paradigm shift known as Data Intensive Science is changing the way science and research in most disciplines is being conducted. The new paradigm that is emerging is based on access and analysis of large amounts of new and existing data. These challenges have been thoroughly discussed during the 2007-2008 e-IRG workshops, and particular focus has been put on data initiatives linked with the new research infrastructures identified by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), created in 2002 by the European Council of Ministers. The e-IRG delegates recognised the importance of data management for the future of research infrastructures and, as a result, established in 2008 the e-IRG Data Management Task Force (DMTF) that also received recognition and support from ESFRI. To conduct its work, the DMTF has been organized in three sub-task forces, each focusing on a special task:

• Existing Data Management Initiatives
• Metadata and quality
• Interoperability issues in data management

This report is obviously not intended as the final word in the area of data management, rather it aims to put together several starting points to encourage future efforts in this domain. The participating authors sincerely hope that interested parties will take on board the findings of this document and craft them into a group of concrete, well-aligned initiatives, which fulfil the promises of Data Intensive Research.

Read the report at the e-IRG website