Equitable Data Services, Infrastructure, Attribution, and Credit for Researchers
Abstract
A shift has begun in recognition of data and other research products such as software and physical samples as valuable contributions to the scientific record. This opportunity to address inadequacies in funding and access needs to include all scientists, and not just those from privileged countries. Research efforts in Africa are paramount for understanding climate, agriculture, disease, and many other critical topics benefiting all of society. Now is the time to consider equitable value to the contributions made by researchers representing the countries of Africa, ensuring that they are equal partners in research design, data collection, analysis and publication. This includes access to data curation services, repository storage and preservation, and the recognition of local laws and expectation on data sharing, reuse, attribution, and credit. This is an ethical concern. This is also an infrastructure concern. In some areas scientists do not have consistent access to the internet to participate in international team communications and engagement. As we consider the needs of funding the digital infrastructure, and the global challenges that will require all researchers to work together, the ability for our scientists in many African countries, and those in similar situations globally, needs to be part of the conversation and solution.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFM.U23A..05M
- Keywords:
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- 1920 Emerging informatics technologies;
- INFORMATICSDE: 1934 International collaboration;
- INFORMATICSDE: 1982 Standards;
- INFORMATICSDE: 6620 Science policy;
- PUBLIC ISSUES