We are happy to launch the new data research archive project. The project aims to design and develop Sigma2's next-generation Research Data Archive.
This project aims to design and develop Sigma2's next-generation Research Data Archive.
This project will develop the next-generation research data archive concept that best supports the Open Science paradigm. At the same time, it will ensure business confidentiality and personal privacy protection for data that require this.
The final solution will be flexible, interoperable and user-friendly by design. We strive to minimise overlapping and enhance the synergies and interoperability layer with existing services in the national and international data landscape.
The project will design, implement, and deploy the archive service. The new archive for non-sensitive data will be included in the NIRD ecosystem and will have NIRD as the backend.
Project background
The Sigma2 Research Data Archive provides long-term storage for datasets resulting from Norwegian Research. Each dataset is issued with a DOI from DataCite and kept for at least 10 years after publication. Currently, the archive has more than 750 TiB of archived data.
After operating the archive service for 5 years, we have uncovered the need for improving the service from a usability perspective. Also, the Open Science principles and the evolving needs of our explosion of data-era end-users reveal new functional requirements for enhanced interoperability, data protection and sharing, and support for data discovery.
Phases and timelines
The project is divided into 5 main phases separated by decision gates:
- Concept phase
We have followed the design thinking methodology in the concept phase to define problems/needs and reframe these in a human-centric way to focus on what is most important to the users.
- Planning phase
We have run a public procurement competition to appoint the enabler of the new CKAN-based Research Data Archive.
- Execution Phase
Current phase. The actual implementation of the new code is on-going. AT the end of this phase the new service will be deployed on the NIRD ecosystem. This phase will be completed in June 2024.
- Close-out Phase
The new system is tested and finally launched. The old frond end will be decommissioned. This phase will be completed in November 2024.
- Benefit realisation phase
From December 2025, we will collect impressions from end-users regularly, to define and update roadmaps for the implementation of more FAIR features over the years to come.
Project organisation
The project organisation structure and the composition of the various teams will be adjusted during the different phases of the project. The need for different competencies will change throughout the project.
The teams will typically consist of Sigma2 employees and members from collaborating partners and relevant institutions in the sector. The members are chosen according to their expertise and will contribute with their competence.
The project organisation comprises a project manager who reports to the project board. The core team will support the management for all phases. For the execution phase, there are two additional teams. The Architecture Team comprises technical experts, and the Developers Team is responsible for developing the minimum viable product. In addition to this, the reference network is consulted in different matters throughout the project.
Inger Lise Blikø is the Project Manager and reports to the Project Board.
Call for input
If you wish to give input to the project and contribute to the design of the service, or just want to share thoughts on the design of the new data research archive, you can do it by being part of the Reference Network.
The reference network provides comments from a user and stakeholder perspective, gives specialist views on solutions or methods. The project will keep the Reference Network updated on the project status to facilitate the dissemination and the anchoring of the project to the user's needs.
If you feel you are a good candidate for the Reference Network, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Status updates
- May 2022: In May the project completed the concept phase
- December 2022: Design and implementation strategy
- December 2023: Use cases and timeline for the implementation