Being FAIR still sounds like work… Why bother?
23 November 2021
In a three-piece blog series, we introduce the concept of our FAIR Data Station. In the previous (first) part, we explained how to get started. This second part further clarifies why you should bother about being FAIR.
By the FAIR Data Platform / November 23, 2021
Key messages
Nowadays, many subsidized research projects are required to have their data accessible, reusable and preserved
This requires Data Management Plan and open access to research data.
The files generated by our Fair Data Station do not only provide a structured overview of your set-up, but you can also directly use them in your Data Management Plan
Source of featured image: Open Access explained! by PHD Comics (CC BY)
From a structured overview to a Data Management Plan
To make data FAIR, a Data Management Plant needs to be developed and open access to research data needs to be provided. For omics-related publications, for instance, it is custom to publish an Accession number for your data deposited at the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA). There is a minimum amount of information required during ENA registration and all samples must conform to a defined checklist of expected metadata values. The most suitable checklist for sample registration depends on the type of the sample and ENA provides a list of suitable MI-standards. Many of these standards are in fact the Minimum Information about any (x) Sequence (MIxS) standards developed by the Genomic Standards Consortium.
In other words, the Excel files generated and validated by the FAIR Data station do not only provide you with a structured overview of your samples and assays. It can also be directly as used an implementation of your DMP and assist in submitting your (omics) data to a public repository.
Interested links
But there is more. In fact, with no extra effort a research group can build its own Semantic database which can be searched for Projects (Investigations), Studies and Assay metadata from other group members opening the way for efficient reuse of data generated in these studies. How? Read the next and final blog of this series.
If you cannot wait, go directly to the FAIR Data Station to check it out. Questions or suggestions? Do not hesistate to contact us.
