Exchanging Research Information in the UK : JISC

Exchanging Research Information in the UK

This project investigates the requirements and possible options for adopting a UK-wide research data exchange standard.

The project has two aims:

To identify and document scenarios, requirements and criteria for exchanging research information in the UK.
To appraise the options for doing so and, specifically, whether any particular format for exchanging research information (eg CERIF) would be suitable.

The project has the following objectives relating to the first aim:

To work in a consultative way with all relevant stakeholders throughout the project’s lifetime.
To identify and describe scenarios and related requirements within the scope noted above, wherein exchanging research information would offer benefits.
To note in each scenario, where possible, who benefits and some assessment of how much.
To prioritise the scenarios by reference to their potential benefit, the feasibility of addressing them and the needs of the key stakeholders (bearing in mind their constraints in terms of timing, resources, etc).

The project has the following objectives related to the second aim:

To develop a set of criteria (beyond direct requirements) that should be met by any approach to exchanging research information in the UK.
To identify a range of such approaches, including data models with an exchange format such as CERIF and practical examples of data exchange.
To appraise each identified approach against the scenarios (iv) and other criteria (v), including technical and organisational impacts and risks.
Without undertaking a systematic cost-benefit analysis, to come to a view, in consultation with stakeholders, on where and how the most benefit is likely to be delivered.
To work with key stakeholders to develop a UK Roadmap of actions for successful implementation of the candidate approach.
To develop an outline risk assessment relating to the Roadmap.
To make recommendations to named bodies, for example JISC, HEFCE, and Research Councils, on next steps.