Peter Fox (RPI)

WDS Science Symposium 2011

September 3-6, 2011, Kyoto, JAPAN

Strategic coordination of ICSU data activities

The trajectory

Technical advances

From: C. Borgman, 2008, NSF Cyberlearning Report

Coordination for Data

• Strategic– CSPR Priority Area Assessment on Data 2004– Strategic Committee on Information and Data (SCID) 2007-2008– Strategic Coordinating Committee on Information and Data (SCCID) 2009-

2011

• Implicit– eGY, IPY, IHY, … 2007-2008– International Scientific Unions– Councils, Committees…– Nations (Australia, U.S., …)– Societies, projects, individuals

SCID Sorbonne, Nov. 2007

SCCID - March 2010 @ ICSU

SCCID recommendations

• Best practice guide(s)• Adoption by National Members and Union

Members either through their own data and information committees or commissions, or independently

–and ensure that the guide is followed • And … by all new ICSU projects and

programmes

http://xnet.kp.org/newscenter/images/clinexcellence/011409bestpracticecover.jpg

http://i43.tower.com/images/mm111618483/best-practice-upper-intermediate-business-english-in-global-bill-mascull-paperback-cover-art.jpg

SCCID recommendations

http://eloquentscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/open_access.jpg

http://www.helmholtz.de/fileadmin/user_upload/forschung/Open_Access/Open_Access_Cloud_WEB.jpg

SCCID recommendations

OECD guidelines = data access and sharing policies

http://bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/oecd-logo.jpg

SCCID recommendations

•Engage actively – publishers of all kinds together

– library community

– scientific researchers

•To – Document and promote community

best practice in the handling of supplemental material, publication of data and appropriate data citation.

http://www.einstruction.com/files/default/files/publishers.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.dailyfinance.com/media/2010/03/reed-elsevier-logo240cs030110.jpg

http://www.leebullen.com/Finished%20Pics/Scientists.jpg

SCCID recommendations

• For 2012 - how data science can support the delivery of the science goals of the major ICSU Earth System Research for Global Sustainability initiative and the Planet under Pressure

• Exploit expertise in data standards already present

• Definition and maintenance of high level data standards standards

http://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/boo/images/conference.jpg

SCCID recommendations

http://geospatial.blogs.com/geospatial/images/2008/02/24/img_3546a.jpg http://www.ct4me.net/images/NCTMStandards.gif

SCCID recommendations

http://certificationmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/tnk_education.jpg

SCCID recommendations

http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2008/nov/forum.jpg

SCCID recommendations

http://www.electronicosonline.com/noticias/images/uploads/p_leds.jpg

SCCID recommendations

•Analysis of storage models and means, including the possibility of creating an analogue with digital deposit libraries

http://datahue.com/Solutions/images/data_storage_layer.png

SCCID recommendations

• ICSTI enlarge existing dialogue with the private sector– more commercial

companies– more ICSU National

and Union Members http://noblesalesint.com/lib/images/mmwhatwebring.jpg

• Explore how science and commerce can exploit data and information to mutual benefit www.icsti.org

SCCID recommendations

• The WDS should be the natural home for science in-reach activities and should work with CODATA on raising visibility of data and information management by scientists

http://ffce.org/images/photos/jerry_howl.jpg

Summary

• Data science and informatics have emerged and ICSU is paying attention and stepping up for strategic coordination

• Early results (ICSTI, CODATA, PIC and WDS response) are promising, others are not (Unions, Nations)

• Penetration down to societies and the working ranks is needed – move from 10s to 100s to 1000s

• Significant opportunities for scientist with minimal resources (data, computation) to be(come) data scientists

• Thanks for your attention - foxp@rpi.edu, http://tw.rpi.edu

Scale free! Super nodes…

Back shed

Present and future =data scientists

• Formal training in the key cognitive and skill areas will enable graduates to become key participants in eScience collaborations

• The need is to teach key methodologies in application areas based on real research experience and build a skill-set.