Sigma2 new Research Data Archive
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 will develop the concept for the next generation research data archive that best support 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 not only design but also 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 backend.
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 the data-era end-users reveal new functional requirements for enhanced interoperability, data protection and sharing, and support for data discovery.
The project is divided into 5 main phases separated by decision gates:
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Concept phase
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Planning phase
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Execution Phase
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Close-out Phase
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Benefit Realization phase
At each decision gate, the Project Board decides on the progress of the project towards the next phase.
We will follow design thinking methodology in the concept and planning phases to define problems/needs and reframe these in a human-centric way to focus on what is most important to the users.
The goal is to complete the project within 2023.
The project organization 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 normally consist of Sigma2 employees and members from collaborating partners and relevant institutions in the sector. The members are chosen according to their expertise in different areas and will contribute with their competence.
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 a contact@sigma2.no
Status updates
May 2022: In May the project completed the concept phase
December 2022: Design and implementation strategy