As part of our Research Data Strategy (RDS), DigiFAB and its RDS working group aim to Identify, Implement and Disseminate data best practice in support of the activities from our four research pillars, namely Data and Modelling, Automation, Sensors and Characterisation Platforms and Synthesis and Processes. This includes considering all aspects of the data lifecycle, from data creation and analysis, data publication and sharing, to data planning and (re)use.

Closing the loop screenshot


 

For more details about research data management (RDM) and the data lifecycle, see:

Data Service

RDMKit

Imperial College London RDM

 

Identification of best practice

Our Identification of best practice relies on the selection, adoption and potentially the definition of (new) data standards and formats in line with the data generated from our research activities while complying as much as possible with wider practices already established both at Imperial and internationally, such as the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) Data Initiatives.

For more details FAIR Data:

  • “The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship”, publication in Scientific Data, 2016, DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.18
  • The GO FAIR initiative
  • FAIRsFAIR – Fostering Fair Data Practice in Europe

 

Implementation

Our Implementation task contributes to enable the identified best practice via the development of tools, workflows and practical solutions for researchers and their data. This includes the use of Electronic Lab Notebooks from September 2021, (TRUSTworthy) Digital Data Repositories and general aspects of data publication.

  • “The TRUST Principles for digital repositories”, publication in Scientific Data, 2020, DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-0486-7
  • “Workflows Allowing Creation of Journal Article Supporting Information and Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR)-Enabled Publication of Spectroscopic Data”, publication in ACS Omega, 2019, DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b03005
  • “Digital Data Repositories in Chemistry and Their Integration with Journals and Electronic Notebooks”, publication in J. Chem. Inf. Model., 2014, 10.1021/ci500302p

 

Dissemination

Our dissemination activity aims to promote, share and teach of best data practices to increase (FAIR Data) awareness and foster wider adoption by our research community. This will mainly be achieved via workshops, drop-in and training sessions, lectures to UG/PG students and seminars.

 

For more details about our RDS and its working group, please contact us DigiFAB@imperial.ac.uk