Read the National Pilot Interview from Spain and explore all the progress of OSTrails pilot studies. Check the latest on their national activities and learn how they’re progressing with the integration of open science and research assessment. This month we had the pleasure of speaking with Diana Furcila and Pilar Rico – Castro from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT). Enjoy!

 

"Our research ecosystem will be enhanced by standardizing Data Management Plans, improving metadata quality, and integrating automated tools for quality and content assessment. All these developments will improve the national alignment with the scientific FAIR principles, facilitate the collaboration between researchers at both national and international level, and impact the overall quality of Spanish scientific outputs."

-Can you briefly introduce your organisations? How do they contribute to EOSC?

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, F.S.P. (FECYT) is a public foundation attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Thanks to this collaboration, FECYT works to strengthen the link between science and society through actions that promote open and inclusive science, culture and scientific education, responding to the needs and challenges of the Spanish system of science, technology and innovation.  

RECOLECTA, or Collector of Open Science, is the national aggregator of open access repositories. All Spanish digital infrastructures in which research results are published and/or deposited in open access are grouped together on this platform. Its focus is on facilitating metadata interoperability at the national level and providing access, visibility and impact to scientific research outputs. RECOLECTA provides several services to the national community of open access repositories such as metadata validation, metadata enrichment, quality assessment, harvesting, usage statistics, and a search engine.  

Regarding EOSC, FECYT represents Spain at the EOSC Steering Board together with the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, it participated in EOSC Future, and it belongs to several Open Science initiatives that will be part of the EOSC federated nodes like OPERAS AISBL and OpenAIRE. FECYT’s contribution to EOSC includes enhancing metadata quality and facilitating interoperability among repositories, which aligns with EOSC's objectives of promoting accessible and reusable research data. 

-What are you most excited about in OSTrails? What are you looking forward to?

Scientific policies in Spain are still evolving, and our pilot in OSTrails aims to contribute to a more structured and measurable scientific approach aligned with international standards. Regulating Data Management Plans (DMPs), improving metadata quality, and developing tools for quality assessment and certification is a key action to the enhancement of the Research Data Management (RDM) practices and the scientific overall quality content. This is a basic requirement for Open Science policies to run smoothly. 

Furthermore, this pilot will also enhance our own validation processes, and it will represent a guarantee that both metadata and content quality assessments evolve among standards in the European research ecosystem.

-How is planning, tracking and assessing research being realised in your country?

Beneficiaries of R&D projects from the National Research Agency (AEI) must ensure that research results, including publications, data, software, and methodologies are available in open access and deposited upon publication in repositories according to Article 37 of Law 14/2011 (reviewed in 2022) and to Article 12 of the Universities Spanish Organic Law 2/2023. These results must adhere to FAIR principles to facilitate validation and reusability. In addition, the National Open Science Strategy (ENCA) calls for RDM to follow FAIR principles and foster open science practices at public R&D funding.

However, there has been no formal measurement of the implementation of these policies yet. This is where OSTrails national pilot will play a key role, by integrating FAIR principles into national systems and developing quality assessment criteria for DMPs in collaboration with the National Research Agency (AEI).

-Can you provide some details on your pilot's main actors, services and priorities? How will your pilot adopt the results of OSTrails? 

Our pilot involves key actors, such as our national repository community -and their researchers- as well as the AEI.  In collaboration with the AEI, we will first analyze the minimum quality criteria for Data Management Plans (DMPs) to be applied during the assessment process. To simplify the evaluation of DMP content, we aim to develop a natural language processing (NLP) tool for our funder, significantly reducing the administrative burden of research assessments. Additionally, the DMP content will be easily updated and monitored throughout the project lifecycle. 

Next, we will validate and enhance the quality of DMPs through RECOLECTA’s metadata validation service. We prioritize developing a standardized DMP template based on ARGOS, validating DMP metadata, and linking DMPs to key research artifacts. 

Our goal is to ensure that data is accessible, interoperable, and reusable across different systems and platforms. Improved technology will positively impact data repositories, enhancing national collaboration and integration into future broader initiatives.

Therefore, by adopting OSTrails results, we will establish a solid framework for national open access policies that align with international best practices. 

-Ongoing activities and Next Steps? 

Currently, we are in an initiation phase which includes an optimization of the technical infrastructure of our metadata validation tool while analyzing the main requirements of a DMP in our national environment. Meanwhile, we will collaborate with the AEI to also establish the DMP quality assessment criteria. These criteria will be integrated into the requirements for beneficiaries, and we plan to help researchers and institutions by providing guidance on DMP FAIR principles and its content quality. 

Looking ahead, our next steps also include the implementation of an NLP-based tool for automated DMP evaluation, which will help to reduce administrative burdens and offer additional benefits to the research community.

September 26, 2024 – New York: OSTrails was proud to participate in the side workshop "Transforming Knowledge into Practice: Science, Technology, and Innovation in Support of the UN SDGs", held during the Science Summit 2024 at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79). This workshop brought together European organizations and global stakeholders to explore how science, technology, and innovation can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on biodiversity conservation and restoration. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing biodiversity challenges, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF).

Natalia Manola, CEO of OpenAIRE and project coordinator of OSTrails, gave a presentation showcasing OSTrails' innovative approach to transforming research data management within the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), with a particular focus on advancing the global biodiversity agenda.

Manola outlined several challenges in research data management (RDM), including the limited effectiveness of current Data Management Plans (DMPs) and the need to improve Scientific Knowledge Graphs (SKGs). She emphasized how OSTrails is addressing these challenges by creating an integrated research ecosystem that spans planning, tracking, and assessing research outputs. This ecosystem ensures better collaboration across infrastructures and more consistent FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) assessments.

Additionaly, Manola introduced two thematic pilots under OSTrails that showcase the project’s innovative approach in advancing research in biodiversity and marine/coastal fields:

1. The Biodiversity Pilot, led by LifeWatch ERIC, aims to enhance the discoverability and usability of biodiversity data by integrating multiple environmental data sources into federated searches. The pilot focuses on seamlessly integrating databases within the ENVRI infrastructure.

2. The ENVRI / JERICO pilot, led by SOCIB in collaboration with JERICO, focuses on advancing marine and coastal research by expanding the JERICO e-infrastructure to integrate DMPs, datasets, and other digital objects.

Finally, Natalia highlighted OSTrails’ contributions to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF) Targets through the following key areas:

1. Data Management and Accessibility: OSTrails enhances the accessibility of biodiversity data, helping to meet K-M GBF Targets 1, 2, and 3, which focus on reducing biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems.
2. Promoting Collaborative Governance: OSTrails develops participatory DMP templates, supporting Target 22, which emphasizes inclusive decision-making and the rights of indigenous communities.
3. Supporting Evidence-Based Policy: OSTrails' FAIR assessments of research data contribute to informed decision-making, aligned with Target 21, which promotes the use of knowledge for biodiversity action.
4. Promoting Sustainable Practices: OSTrails aligns with Targets 9 and 10, ensuring the sustainable management of biodiversity data and promoting biodiversity-friendly practices.
5. Promoting Scientific Innovation: By improving digital infrastructures and fostering collaboration, OSTrails supports Target 20, advancing scientific and technical cooperation for biodiversity conservation.

Through this innovative approach, OSTrails empowers global efforts to make biodiversity data more accessible and actionable, helping to meet the ambitious goals of the K-M GBF.

In addition to her presentation, several OSTrails partners made significant contributions to the workshop: Natalia Manola also presented "OpenAIRE," Yannis Ioannidis from Athena Research Center delivered "EOSC, a Technical 'System of Systems' for Collaboration/EOSC Future," and LifeWatch ERIC, which organized and chaired the workshop, presented "The Example of the European Collaborative Effort on Biodiversity" and "LifeWatch ERIC".

The "Transforming Knowledge into Practice" workshop underscored the vital role that science and technology play in addressing global challenges. OSTrails’ contributions to the event highlighted its pivotal role in supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and advancing the SDGs. By improving research infrastructure and fostering international collaboration, OSTrails continues to lead the way in supporting global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Further Resources: 

• For the workshop, see: Science Summit 2024: [ROOFTOP] Transforming Knowledge into Pr... (sched.com)

• For the abstract of the workshop, see: Transforming Knowledge into Practice: Science, Technology and Innovation in Support of the UN SDGs (riojournal.com)

• For OSTrails presentation, see: https://zenodo.org/uploads/13889535

• For the 2030 Targets of the K-M GBF, see: 2030 Targets (with Guidance Notes) (cbd.int)

• For the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), see: THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)

As part of the ongoing efforts within the OSTrails project, D2.1: Analysis of the OSTrails Interoperability Framework Tools Compliance assess the compliance of tools with the OSTrails Pathways and Interoperability Framework. Interoperability plays a crucial role in ensuring that tools and services can communicate and work together without technical barriers, enabling the smooth sharing and exchange of research outputs (such as datasets, software, publication) across diverse platforms— a fundamental aspect of open science. The Pathways, on the other hand, serve as blueprints that map out the interactions between DMPs, SKGs, and FAIR assessment tools, illustrating the sequence of steps and processes necessary to achieve seamless integration and functionality.

D 2.1 evaluates the compliance of 38 tools, including Data Management Planning (DMP) platforms, Scientific Knowledge Graphs (SKGs), FAIR assessment tools, Current Research Information Systems (CRIS), and repositories. Each tool was systematically assessed for its alignment with the OSTrails Interoperability Framework, with the goal of identifying technological synergies, existing gaps, and areas for further development to ensure seamless integration within the evolving RDM landscape.

Key findings from the analysis highlight the broad adoption of core technologies and standards across the evaluated tools. However, gaps remain in areas such as comprehensive notification systems, variability in provenance documentation, and the need for continuous updates to meet emerging standards. Addressing these gaps will be critical to fully realising the OSTrails vision of interoperable data management solutions. The evaluation process followed a structured methodology, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Tool evaluation process (source D2.1).

A Master Table listed all tools from the project’s national and thematic pilots, distinguishing core tools from additional ones and updating it as tools evolve. Tool representatives provided one-slide summaries (Flashcards) with essential details, allowing for quick understanding of each tool’s functionalities and use cases. A detailed analysis of each core tool (Per-Tool Analysis) was conducted, which focused on compatibility with standards, data formats, integration, and other interoperability issues. The final report (OSTrails IF Compliance Analysis) consolidates findings from individual analyses, aligning tools with the OSTrails Interoperability Framework and incorporating feedback for refinement.

D 2.1 lays the groundwork for future developments aimed at enhancing interoperability across the RDM landscape, reinforcing OSTrails’ commitment to driving innovation and collaboration within the open science community.

For more information on OSTrails’ Pathways and Interoperability Frameworks, check out D1.1: Plan-Track-Assess Pathways and M4: Interim Products Establishment for Cross-Task Collaboration.

D4.1: Pilots Methodology and Operational Processes the methodology and processes for implementing the 15 national, 8 thematic, and Horizon Europe pilots under WP4. The pilots will demonstrate the benefits of the OSTrails PTA framework, serving as a foundation for testing the OSTrails solutions developed in WP 1-3. Each pilot will contribute according to their national contexts and needs, which are outlined in this deliverable.

All 15 national pilots are focused on developing maDMP templates tailored to national funder requirements and local infrastructure, streamlining RDM processes and enabling researchers to manage their data effectively in compliance with funder guidelines. Several pilots are working to integrate DMP tools with national infrastructures, including CRIS (Current Research Information Systems), repositories, and other data services. A major focus for pilots in Spain, Poland, France, and Germany is improving the FAIRness of research data by developing FAIR evaluation tools, establishing FAIR metrics, and assessing how to ensure data is accessible, interoperable, and reusable across different platforms and systems. Many pilots aim to increase collaboration between national stakeholders, such as universities, funders, and research infrastructures to reduce the administrative burden on researchers and enhance the quality and accessibility of research outputs. Pilots in Serbia and Greece, among others, are working on enhancing repository and CRIS systems by linking DMPs with other research outputs like datasets and publications. Additionally, pilots throughout the project are actively testing and evaluating the RDM platform onboarded to the project, integrating it with lab notebooks, and conducting FAIR assessments of digital objects stored in repositories.

Eight thematic pilots within the OSTrails project have been strategically selected to cover a broad spectrum of scientific domains and organizational contexts, representing the five EOSC Science Clusters. These pilots will co-create, validate, and showcase the effectiveness of the project's methodologies, tools, and frameworks through initiatives such as the development of interoperability standards and the OSTrails Commons. In addition, they will provide continuous feedback to the OSTrails development teams in the technical WPs 1-3. The Horizon Europe pilot will analyse current data management practices and propose updated templates for future projects.

D4.1 also explains in detail the methodology for Cross Pilot and Cross Project Coordination, which aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between national and thematic pilots and across pilots and ensures that technical developments from WP1-3 are integrated into the pilots and that pilots provide valuable feedback for further improvement.

The national, thematic, and Horizon Europe pilots are important to the overall success of OSTrails, providing diverse testing environments for innovative research data management (RDM) solutions developed by OSTrails. These pilots reflect the varied RDM practices across Europe, addressing unique challenges in different research contexts.

The OSTrails project recently took center stage at a webinar of the Pistoia Alliance, a nonprofit alliance working to lower barriers to innovation in life science and healthcare R&D through pre-competitive collaboration.  Led by Dr. Mark D. Wilkinson from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Prof. Susanna-Assunta Sansone from the University of Oxford, the presentation highlighted OSTrails' pivotal role in addressing the growing challenges of ensuring consistent, accurate, and scalable FAIR data assessment and assistance.

At the core of OSTrails' mission is the creation of standardized APIs and assessment frameworks that will enable FAIR evaluations across a wide spectrum of digital objects. The team is actively working to harmonize the fragmented landscape of FAIR assessment tools by proposing discipline-specific metrics and developing a governance model to ensure that new metrics and methodologies are trusted, transparent, and widely adopted.

OSTrails also aims to reduce confusion and the burden on researchers and data providers by shifting the focus from mere assessment to assistance. Through its innovative tools, OSTrails will provide actionable feedback to help users improve their data's FAIRness, rather than treating assessments as punitive or cumbersome. This shift will also be supported by FAIRsharing, a core component of OSTrails that serves as a look-up service for community data and metadata standards, their relations and use, and plays a key role in the validation and governance of FAIR metrics.

Looking ahead, OSTrails will play a significant role in implementing the decisions of the EOSC FAIR Metrics and Data Quality Task Force and the FAIR Metrics and Digital Objects Task Force. Their work will focus on expanding the range of digital objects covered by FAIR assessments, refining metadata structures, and tackling the complexities of private and sensitive data. By professionalizing the FAIR assessment ecosystem, OSTrails is set to establish a more consistent, efficient, and trusted approach to FAIR data evaluation, benefiting researchers, repositories, and broader scientific communities alike.

Resources

• The presentation is available here.

• The recording can be accessed here.