Key Outcomes & Updates from Year 3

Develop and iterate on an exemplar place-based data policy.
Adapt and prove the capabilities of networked Data Management Plans (DMPs) for field stations.
Demonstrate the benefits of FAIR data policies and workflows to stakeholders at the field station.

Data Policy Development: The data policy was stabilized and used to set expectations with researchers. The generic policy had over 100 downloads on Zenodo. Researcher templates and a toolkit for field stations were developed for implementing the data policy. Adoption was limited to initial early adopter research projects, including the Moore Foundation Biocode 2.0 effort.
Networked DMPs: Created DMPs for the ISP class, identifying the need to include contributors like sponsors. The DMPTool was operationalized for broader use, requiring all projects at the field station to have a DMP. Tested machine-actionable capabilities of the Global Research Infrastructure, citing DMPs in downstream works using Zenodo, DataCite, and the DMPTool.
Field Station Infrastructure: Tested and proved the field station infrastructure from proposals to data publication. Developed a field station dashboard and continued experimenting with graph visualizations to show connections between key stakeholders.

Project Metadata: Successfully used DataCite metadata to connect resources, creating a visual network of research outputs. Expanded engagement to other sites, including UC Davis-managed UCNRS sites.
Field Station Journal MVP: Created a field station journal for sharing projects, permits, and data. Developed the FAIR and fair Toolkit for implementing ethical fieldwork.

Erin Robinson led a hands-on course on Data and Communication at UC Berkeley’s Island Sustainability Program, resulting in students creating comprehensive data management plans and identifying necessary permits for their projects.

Results were shared through various venues, including the ESIP Summer Meeting, Organization of Biological Field Stations Annual Meeting, AGU Fall Meeting, and others. Published blogs and presentations to document and share project processes and outcomes.

Data Policy Expansion: Continue to expand the adoption of data policies and support researchers in transitioning to FAIR and fair fieldwork.
DMP Implementation: Further develop DMP functionality and ensure that all projects have a DMP.
Field Station Dashboard: Refine and populate the field station dashboard with project metadata, linking resources to project metadata, and engaging with the wider research community to share tools and learnings.

Discipline Development: Demonstrated linking researchers and research outputs through persistent identifiers, contributing to synergizing open science principles with Indigenous Data Governance principles.
Institutional Resources: Improved the quality and availability of information about research activities at field stations.
Societal Impact: Promoted public access to government-funded research, advancing the overall public good.

Integration Issues: Continued efforts to maintain and enhance system integrations.
Next Phase Goals: Expand data policy adoption, enhance networked DMPs, further develop the field station dashboard, and increase community engagement.

John Chodacki (PD/PI): Oversight of grant administration and data policy development.
Maria Praetzellis: Coordinated technical aspects and advised on data policies.
Brian Riley: Technical development of DMPTool.
Matthew Buys (Co PD/PI): Oversight of DataCite activities and strategic planning.
Neil Davies (Co PD/PI): Provided access to field stations, led the Field Station Advisory Group.
Erin M Robinson (Co PD/PI): Strategic thought leadership across the award period, coordinated project activities, developed presentations, and maintained data policy infrastructure.

For further details, refer to the complete NSF Project Report Template and FAIR Island Project resources on Zenodo and GitHub.