Mission and objectives
The DSTS works at the interface between the development of UNESCO open science tools for data policy in crisis situations and the need for the building of an international data ecosystem for reporting on and addressing crises in a trustworthy environment for investment, innovation, and impact for the use of data based on data systems and tools supported by analytic tools, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The benefits of a strong data policy approach for crises within UNESCO’s open science framework enhances the use of data, its (statistical) analysis, and communication while contributing to the full range of reporting and monitoring needed for measuring progress toward the SDGs. The DSTS is designed to transpose agreed policy into a reliable data ecosystem that enhances the preparation for, response to, and recovery from crises situations on a global scale addressing the needs of all peoples and communities.
Significance
The DSTS works to transpose and support strong data policy by advancing reliable and efficient scientific data systems and tools that bring reliable evidence to inform on the causes and impact of a crisis while also leading to clear and accurate communication and dependable decision-making. There is a widely recognised and urgent need to address data gaps in times of crises to enhance country resilience and reduce impact on vulnerable groups that is well documented. This TG translates data policy into data science by focusing on the outcomes of the UNESCO and ISC CODATA initiative on ‘Data Policy for Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science: A Global Project on Developing Guidance, a Checklist, and a Factsheet as Contributions to the UNESCO Open Science Toolkit (DPCT-WG)’. It develops open science systems and tools that help ensure data reliability for scientists, policymakers, and the public while avoiding disinformation.
The task group addresses the needs for generating data collection, data reliability and integrity, ensuring data flows, establishing means for sustainable data provision, creating systems and tools for data interoperability across sectors and institutions, good governance, the role and impact of generative AI, rethinking values in digital ELSI frameworks,
Impact
The RDA/CODATA Data Systems, Tools, and Services for Crisis Situations Task Group (DSTS) landscapes, analyses, and contributes to systems, tools, and services within the framework of the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data, the Hangzhou Declaration, the Dubai Declaration, the Global data community’s response to Covid-19, the Bern Data Compact for the Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework, the International Health Regulations, the Warsaw International Mechanism, the Santiago Network, and the WorldFAIR project. It brings together open science initiatives with concrete data tools for improving data collection, analysis, statistics, and interpretation during crises. The DSTS will impact the advancement of data systems and tools used to meet the UN’s SDGs while also providing ways to measure data science contributions. It brings a comprehensive approach to enhance the visibility, use, and impact of data for policy and decision-making at all levels in the preparation for, response to, and rebuilding following crises.
Planned (and later on actual) activities and outputs for 2023-2025
The following specific objectives will be pursued by the DSTS_CS-TG:
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- identifying the digital tool needs and challenges by first responders, field workers, scientists, lab personnel, policymakers, national authorities, and communities during crises, focusing on the data that is needed in the immediate crisis situation, and for immediate decision making. This should also provide insight into what is necessary at other stages of a crisis situation, e.g., in the stages of preparation, mitigation, recovery, rebuilding.
- identifying the DSTSs requirements to achieve interoperable, high-quality data, and easy to communicate information for crisis management;
- identifying DSTSs characteristics and attributes needed in their design, development, and deployment in crisis situations for the reliable and effective collection, analysis, and dissemination of information with reference to the data value chain;
- mapping these to the more general characteristics for Research Commons as provided by e.g. the RDA GORC IG and FAIRSharing; and
- developing a recommendation specifying the characteristics of DSTSs required to meet the needs and address the challenges in crisis situations.
Deliverables
The DSTS’s deliverables are developed to support broad understanding of the underlying values of the RDA and CODATA. These deliverables are designed for use to develop capacity, particularly regarding competence building across skill sets while also contributing to training programmes, in the EU and globally. Through its inclusive and open design, the DSTS’s engages in research on managing data for crisis situations supported by open research frameworks. The DSTS working methods are based on co-creation and cultivation, founded on the following principles: Trust – Shared Vision – Leadership – Open Communication – Democratic Engagement – Clear Roles – Goal Driven – Growth/Vibrancy – Standards and Processes – Discovery Enabling – Resourcefulness.
The DSTS pursues the following deliverables:
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- An assessment of the digital tool needs of and challenges for key stakeholders (see above), in crisis situations
- Three Case Studies describing the needs and challenges as outlined above in specific areas. We currently envisage case studies on 1) earthquakes, 2) typhoons, and public health emergencies, but this may change depending on the interests of the WG members.
Final Recommendation
A Final Recommendation will be delivered specifying the characteristics of DSTSs in relation to the data research lifecycle and the data value chain required to meet the needs and address the challenges of stakeholders in crisis situations based on the needs assessments and applicable to the case studies.