Daily life in the Open Biologist's second job, as a Data Curator

Livia C. T. Scorza, Tomasz Zieliński, Irina Kalita, Alessia Lepore, Meriem El Karoui, Andrew J. Millar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Background
Data reusability is the driving force of the research data life cycle. However, implementing strategies to generate reusable data from the data creation to the sharing stages is still a significant challenge. Even when datasets supporting a study are publicly shared, the outputs are often incomplete and/or not reusable. The FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles were published as a general guidance to promote data reusability in research, but the practical implementation of FAIR principles in research groups is still falling behind. In biology, the lack of standard practices for a large diversity of data types, data storage and preservation issues, and the lack of familiarity among researchers are some of the main impeding factors to achieve FAIR data. Past literature describes biological curation from the perspective of data resources that aggregate data, often from publications.

Methods
Our team works alongside data-generating, experimental researchers so our perspective aligns with publication authors rather than aggregators. We detail the processes for organizing datasets for publication, showcasing practical examples from data curation to data sharing. We also recommend strategies, tools and web resources to maximize data reusability, while maintaining research productivity.

Conclusion
We propose a simple approach to address research data management challenges for experimentalists, designed to promote FAIR data sharing. This strategy not only simplifies data management, but also enhances data visibility, recognition and impact, ultimately benefiting the entire scientific community.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages19
JournalWellcome Open Research
Volume9
Issue number523
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2024

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Open science
  • FAIR
  • data sharing
  • data curation
  • repositories
  • reproducibility
  • accessibility
  • biological data
  • datasets
  • metadata

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