The Importance of Interoperability in European Research Infrastructures

Abstract

We live in a world characterized by rapid social, economic, and ecological changes, facing important environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pressures on natural resources. Addressing these issues requires world-class ecosystem research, driven by a well-connected, extensive community of experts, supported by advanced sites and facilities, and supported by openly shared and easily accessible data alongside capacity building programs. This is the mission of the eLTER Research Infrastructure (eLTER RI). Currently, in its preparatory phase, eLTER is on the path to becoming a fully-fledged Research Infrastructure. Central to this endeavor is the eLTER Cyber infrastructure (CI), which serves as the technical backbone for all data management and information services within eLTER RI. The Cyberinfrastructures aim is to support workflows and processes with modern software and cloud solutions to accommodate the requirements of the eLTER RI. CI is involved in the entire data life cycle, from ingestion to preservation and is composed by different components targeting different users, including data providers, data managers, and data users, as well as other service providers and research infrastructures. The primary requirement is the implementation of state-of-the-art data management, adhering to the FAIR principles. eLTER CI envisions various data management solutions and implementations, designed to be interconnected, forming a valuable collection of well-integrated tools and services. To this end, eLTER CI integrates EUDAT services, such as B2Share, to facilitate data integration workflows. Other solutions, like the Sensor Management System combined with a time series data management system, leverage the B2Inst registry for scientific instruments. This work provides an overview of the current system architecture and planning, offering a comprehensive insight into how digital services within the European landscape can be integrated into complex research infrastructures.