Future Earth Data Management Breakout

1. Future Earth Data ManagementBreakout Nov. 29, 2012

2. 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/behavioraldata • 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.”

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.