E-Specimina: Fostering ORD principles and practice using Natural History Collection objects in research projects

The goals of E-Specimina are to bolster researchers in adopting and advancing Open Research Data (ORD) practices when sampling physical objects from natural history collections for research projects. In particular we aim to develop user stories, to hold workshops involving researchers and repository managers, and to develop a proof-of-concept online browser-based portal for object data management.

E-Specimina aims to fill a critical gap in knowledge by pioneering an innovative approach to address the fragmented nature of biodiversity research data. Currently, many research projects relying on comparative datasets of organisms lack protocols for integrating physical object information and data from disparate repositories, thereby failing to meet Open Research Data (ORD) principles. To bridge this gap, E-Specimina conducts a comprehensive needs analysis involving researchers from diverse disciplines and repository managers.

The project focuses on the integrated and interlinked management of physical object information and research data derived from comparative organismal studies, which are often siloed in separate repositories. By raising awareness among researchers and providing support through workbench management tools, E-Specimina aims to significantly enhance the ORD agenda of Open Science.

Key components of the project include structured interviews with stakeholders and compiling user stories, workshops involving researchers and repository managers to delve into the challenges of ORD management and publication, and the development of a proof-of-concept online browser-based implementation. This implementation will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of integrating existing data repositories, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and data accessibility within the scientific community.

Challenges

Several challenges hinder the effective management and utilization of data derived from natural history collections (NHCs). These challenges include:

1. Data Fragmentation: NHC data is often dispersed across multiple repositories, leading to fragmentation and difficulties in data integration.
2. Lack of Standardization: Protocols for data management and metadata standards vary across repositories, posing challenges for interoperability and data harmonization.
3. Limited Collaboration: There is a lack of collaboration and communication between researchers and repository managers, inhibiting the sharing and reuse of biodiversity data.
4. Compliance with ORD Principles: Many research projects fail to adhere to Open Research Data (ORD) principles due to the absence of protocols for integrated data management and publication.

Addressing these challenges requires setting clear goals and implementing strategic initiatives.

Goals

The goals of initiatives like E-Specimina include:

1. Integrated Data Management: Develop protocols and tools for integrated and interlinked management of biodiversity research data across repositories, fostering data interoperability and accessibility.
2. Standardization: Establish standardized protocols and metadata standards for data management and publication, facilitating data harmonization and interoperability.
3. Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange between researchers and repository managers, fostering a culture of openness and transparency within the scientific community.
4. Compliance with ORD Principles: Ensure compliance with Open Research Data (ORD) principles by providing support and resources for researchers to adopt integrated data management practices and publish data in accordance with ORD principles.

By addressing these challenges and pursuing these goals, initiatives like E-Specimina aim to advance Open Science in biodiversity research, facilitating data sharing, collaboration, and innovation for the benefit of scientific inquiry and societal impact.

Integrated Data Management Framework

Develop a comprehensive framework for integrated and interlinked management of biodiversity research data across repositories, including standardized protocols for data formatting, metadata documentation, and data sharing.

Proof-of-Concept Implementation

Create a proof-of-concept online browser-based implementation, a workbench that demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of integrating existing data repositories. This implementation will showcase enhanced collaboration, data accessibility, and interoperability across biodiversity datasets.

Standardization Guidelines

Establish uniform metadata standards and data formatting guidelines for NHC research data, facilitating data harmonization and interoperability between repositories.

Collaborative Networks

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange through workshops, conferences, and online platforms, facilitating the sharing of best practices and resources for effective data management and analysis.

Policy Recommendations

Develop a roadmap for institutions and funding agencies to promote Open Science practices in biodiversity research, including incentives for data sharing and collaboration.

By achieving these results and outputs, initiatives like E-Specimina aim to advance Open Science in biodiversity research, enabling researchers to maximize the value of biodiversity data for scientific discovery and societal impact.

Promoting Open Research Data (ORD) Practices

By bolstering researchers in adopting and advancing ORD practices, E-Specimina contributes to a culture of openness and transparency in scientific research. Researchers are empowered to share and reuse data from natural history collections, fostering collaboration and accelerating scientific discovery.

Enhancing Data Accessibility

Through the development of user stories and workshops involving researchers and repository managers, E-Specimina facilitates the creation of standardized protocols and best practices for data management. This leads to improved accessibility of data from natural history collections, enabling broader participation in scientific inquiry.

Facilitating Collaboration

By providing a platform for collaboration between researchers and repository managers, E-Specimina fosters interdisciplinary and cross-institutional partnerships. This collaborative approach not only enriches research outcomes but also strengthens the scientific community's capacity to address complex challenges in biodiversity research.

Development of Online Portal

The development of a proof-of-concept online browser-based portal for object data management streamlines sharing within natural history collections. This enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of data management practices, promoting reproducibility and rigor in scientific research.