e GY - an opportunity to improve access to Earth and space science data

1. IHY-Africa Space Weather S&E Workshop, Addis Ababa,12 Nov 2007 eGY - an opportunity to improve access to Earth and space science data Charles.Barton@anu.edu.au Daniel.Baker@lasp.colorado.edu Bill.Peterson@lasp.colorado.edu NSF

2. The four International Science Years - reincarnations of the International Geophysical Year

3. The eGY belief • In the Earth and space sciences and elsewhere, ready and open access to the vast and growing collections of cross-disciplinary digital information is the key to understanding and responding to complex Earth system phenomena that influence human survival. • We have a shared responsibility to create and implement strategies to realise the full potential of digital information and services for present and future generations.

4. The Electronic Geophysical Year, 2007-2008 eGY Themes • Data access • Data discovery • Data release • Data preservation • Data rescue • Outreach & Education • Reducing the Digital Divide Virtual Observatories

5. is an opportunity to • Develop better data & information systems • Find out who is doing what • Share experience and expertise • Coordinate activities • Reduce replication of effort • Promote common practices (standards) • Widen participation • Reduce the digital divide • Raise awareness of the need for modern, professional data stewardship • Educate; influence decision makers • Inspire public interest. 0 11 11 01 00 00 11 01 10 11 1

6. provides Networks of people Newsletter Website Conference events Meetings Showcase demonstrations eGY Declaration Services

7. Interested in getting involved? www.egy.orgeGY NewsEmail listsBill.Peterson@lasp.colorado.edu Sign the ‘Declaration for an Earth and Space Science Information Commons’

8. The Electronic Geophysical Year, 2007-2008 eGY Themes • Data access • Data discovery • Data release • Data preservation • Data rescue • Outreach & Education • Reducing the Digital Divide Virtual Observatories

9. eGY-Africa Management team: Victor Chukwume (Nigeria), Monique Petitdidier (France, EGEE), Abebe Kibede (USA), Colin Reeves (The Netherlands), Jean-Pierre Tchouanchoue (Cameroun), Victor Rochon (Purdue U.), Charles Barton (Australia, eGY), …. others? Help improve Internet access for scientists in AfricaUse the voice of the international scientific community- map present status and problem- choose how and where we can help- exert influence- promote coordination and synergies

10. eGY-Africa strategy The digital divide is mainly about lack of Internet access. African scientists are frustrated about the poor internet facilities in their institutions and want to do something about it.Through eGY-Africa we aim to influence decision-making about Internet connectivity for Universities etc.We are not seeking funds directly for installation of better systems, although that ultimately is what we wish to achieve.We are currently finding out more about the present status/problems in UniversitiesWe need to be aware of high-level policy about reducing the digital divide, and steps that are being taken.

11. Inspirational goal Make African communities wealthier, safer, and more sustainable through full participation in the information revolution. But, …. participation in the information revolution is conditional on the existence of a cyber-infrastructure (Internet) to connect people and machines to the world community and the vast resources of information and services that exist. This is particularly important for scientists and technologists who have the responsibility of producing and using information and knowledge to inform decision-makers and deliver societal benefits. Modern ICT (Information & Communications Technology) is marketed as a low-cost way for poor communities to share on equal terms with rich ones the benefits of the information revolution. In practice, the digital divide is growing and denying poor countries access to those very benefits. The situation is particularly acute in Universities, where internet services are commonly poorer than in those provided (at high cost) through the private sector.

12. Survey of present status Monique Petitdidier: Development and progress of the survey questionaire.Discussion to get audience feedback from particular countries/regions concerning:Q1. What infrastructure exists that successfully serves the needs of the scientific community, and on which we can build?Q2. What infrastructure exists that does not directly serve the needs of the scientific community (e.g., Internet cafés vs. university facilities)?Q3. What are the main obstacles to getting better internet access for scientists? (e.g., lack of computers, internet access costs, inadequate backbones, …)

13. What do we need most from the Internet? Abebe Kebede: communication with national and colleaguescommunication with international colleaguesaccess to electronic literature (journals)participation in national events and projectsparticipation in international events and projectsdata discovery and access for research (VOs)access to Web services, software, analytical toolsdata recovery from instrument arraysaccess to teaching materialsoutreach – informing othersmarketing – promotion of facilities, opportunities, courses, ….

14. What can the international science community do to help? Charles Barton: Discussion among the panel and audience, with special attention to questions such as:1. Do we share and commit to the inspirational goal?2. What assets (weapons) does the international scientific community have, and how can they be used to help secure a better cyber-infrastructure for science?3. How shall we organize ourselves as a group in order to take the next steps4. What steps next?5. What support shall we request from IUGG’s GIA program?6. What website capabilities do we need?7. Is it helpful to maintain an editable list of what is going on?8. Identify key liaison persons for each country/region9. Other key person to invite as participants.

15. If you wish to participate ... Send a request to: cebarton@gmail.comAccess archived information at www.egy.orgAccess working documents at http://groups.google.com/group/egyafricaCommunicate using eGYAfrica@googlegroups.com