Metadata for structural science Workshop on research metadata in context Nijmegen, 7–8 September 2010 Simon Lambert STFC e-Science UK
Scope: ‘structural science’ Metadata for scientific studies ‘Structural science’: chemistry, materials, earth science, … Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep ExperimentsSimulations Analyses Scale/complexity Data life cycle Discipline
Motivation Diamond Light Source ISIS Others Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep 20103
Motivation Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep Data Store Data Data Store Data Experiment Data Analysis Simulation Data Experiment
Principles Core Scientific Metadata Model (CSMD) Study-oriented Modelling of data holdings Distinguish logical data holding from data location Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep 20105
Principles Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep Investigation PublicationKeywordTopic Sample Sample Parameter Dataset Dataset Parameter Datafile Datafile Parameter Investigator Related Datafile Parameter Authorisation
Implementation Modelling scientific activity … –Policy –Programme –Study –Investigations Experiments Measurements Simulations Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep 20107
Implementation … and modelling data holdings –Three layers Experiment Logical data Physical files Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep 20108
Use ICAT: information catalogue collates metadata from different stages of experimental lifecycle Integrates with systems supporting each stage –Published as web service interface for end-user applications Web-based client ‘Data Portal’ for browse/search Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep 20109
Use Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep ICAT software suite, providing the crucial integration of key functions
Use ICAT may be federated across facilities Robust software now running at ISIS and Diamond Light Source Evaluation and potential use at other institutes Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep
Development and outlook Scenarios for integration over scale –Lone researcher –EPSRC National Crystallography Service –Diamond and ISIS Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep
Development and outlook Ontologies, domain-specific vocabularies Link to publications Derived and resultant data Preservation information Security model In progress: I2S2 information model Research metadata in context, Nijmegen, 7–8 Sep