Future Earth Data Management Breakout Nov. 29, 2012

Introduction Data from Future Earth research must be preserved and available both during and after the Program. This will be a measure of the success of Future Earth. Challenge of integrating natural/physical with social/behavioral data Typically at least 15% of project expenditures. How will DM success be defined? “Future Earth data are efficiently life-cycle managed both during and after the initiative, and discovery, access and usability are maximized.”

Work to Date Draft data and Information document by Roberta Balstad. -Data policies in place at start of program. -Mandatory archiving in funded archive. -Use existing data centres. -Dedicate funding to DM and archiving. -1-year time limit for documentation & archiving. -Co-ownership with Future Earth -Internet data access targeted at public. -Data integration eligible for Future Earth funding. -Digital divide, non specialist training.

Breakout Approach Concentrated on high-level data strategy Reviewed research framework and institutional design documents data elements. Considered policies, planning, performance measurement, roles and responsibilities, etc.

Research Framework Preservation and accessibility of high-quality data/information resulting from Future Earth activities is critical to success. A centralized approach to data management is not recommended – data centers exist. New tools and research are required to integrate natural and social sciences data/information. Metadata are a primary requirement - A metadata portal is recommended. Future Earth must provide both funding and motivation to ensure quality project data management, and monitor progress. Provision of access to data management resources including tools and training. Specialized data management approaches may be required by some project bundles. Facilitate engagement of community data management expertize.

Governance and Structure Future Earth will need an approach to address differences in the data policies of participants Future Earth has a potential role in harmonizing international data sharing and access policies. It is recommended that the Science Committee include a “Data Champion” supported by an expert Data Subcommittee. It is critical that the Secretariat include a full-time data coordinator. Existing OECD and GEOSS data policies are a good starting point for a Future Earth Data Policy

Next Steps Breakout Group members are willing to work with CODATA and WDS to provide advice on data issues during the transition period. Creation of a Future Earth document addressing data management is recommended.