Virtual SciDataCon 2021 is organised around a number of thematic strands. This is the seventh of a series of announcements presenting these strands to the global data community. Please note that registration is free, but participants must register for each session they wish to attend.
Virtual SciDataCon hosts an excellent set of sessions on education, training and otherwise developing data stewardship. This includes an exploration of successes using rubrics and ePortfolios, a session on the experience of the CODATA-RDA Data Schools and other initiatives in building learning communities, a session on early career activities, a report on the CODATA PASTD TG’s activities in LMICs, and an interactive, unconference Do-A-Thon looking at ‘Data on the Brink’.
Research Data Management Skills Development Using Rubrics and ePortfolios, Thursday 21 October, 11:00-12:30 UTC: REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION
This session will discuss the use of ePortfolios to develop the Research Data Management (RDM) skills ofnew researchers via
Building learning communities, Thursday 21 October, 13:00-14:30 UTC: REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION
Building communities based on individuals who have taken part in the same training has been identified as a powerful enabler of that training. A potentially very powerful idea comes into play – namely that these communities mutually support its members even though individuals may be isolated in the institutions that they work at; that they carry out research together or work in associated research activities; or that they are proactive in their learning through either learning and teaching together or pulling in outside expert advice when required. Nonetheless, evidence from a range of communities has highlighted the challenges of ensuring longevity and effectiveness. These communities have addressed these challenges in a range of different ways, including the structure/hierarchy of the community, the leadership on community activities and the resources dedicated to community building. In this session we consider some established software development communities that have evolved from training activities.
Empowering Early Career Researchers in Data Science and Data Stewardship During the Global Pandemic, Thursday 21 October, 16:00-17:30 UTC: REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION
Networking and sharing best practices are crucial for young scholars that aim to excel in their fields and increase the visibility and potential impact of their work. This is even more important now that Covid-19 raises new challenges for early career researchers (ECRs). The pandemic has affected our work in many ways, with the closure of laboratories and libraries, travel restrictions, being forced to work at home—often in difficult conditions—in addition to stressful caring responsibilities for many. ECRs are being forced to adapt by learning new methods and skills, accessing new types of data, and using new digital tools. The WDS-ECR Network aims to offer support in this regard: through this proposed session, we will provide ECRs with opportunities to come together to network and share ideas for how to successfully carry out data management, data analysis, and data sharing during these challenging times. The session will consist of a mixture of invited research and practice papers, followed by an open panel discussion of challenges and opportunities that Early career researchers are facing in these challenging times.
CODATA PASTD Task Group, Friday 22 October, 07:00-08:30 UTC: REGI
The PASTD TG has been convening policy and management workshops on Scientific Data Sharing and integrated applications for interdisciplinary communities as well as training workshops for young scientists and early-career researcher throughout the Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDs) for the past 19 years. For developing countries, the technical methodology on research data sharing and best practices are of similar importance as data policies and institutional guidelines. Data publishing and full-open-free sharing in developing countries are crucial for innovative development and reaching SDGs. The theme of the session addressing in scope of “Open Data, Innovation, Industry and Development”, focuses on open data publishing and capacity building in developing countries, and best practices for improving and support sustainable development (SDGs). As the expected result of the session is the review of recent work of CODATA-PASTD and practical guidance for planned activities in the following years.
Data on the Brink: An Unconference / Do-A-Thon, Friday 22 October, 13:00-17:30 UTC: REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION
In 1966, NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 1 captured breathtaking high-resolution imagery of our planet. Unfortunately, these data were almost lost due to non-existent curatorial practices. When they were accidentally discovered and recovered 42 years later, the general public was finally able to view these images due to the enthusiastic efforts of a small group of undaunted experts who virtually willed these data back into usable existence. Small groups of undaunted experts get things done. Today, there are countless underutilized datasets, and the level of Data Access and Reusability varies widely by region, scientific discipline, and medium.
We propose CODATA’s first Unconference / Do-A-thon at SciDataCon 2021. Unconferences are dynamically configured meetings, planned and run by attendees on the day of the event. Do-A-Thons are are specifically focused workshops that have tangible, impactful goals that exploit the skills of a variety of experts. Our aim is simple: After 10-15 minutes of case-study lightning talks at the beginning of the session, we will form small groups to improve the access to and awareness of a small but diverse collection of scientific data. In realtime.
Virtual SciDataCon 2021 is organised by CODATA and the World Data System, the two data organisations of the International Science Council – PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE – FULL PROGRAMME – please note that registration is free, but participants must register for each session they wish to attend.