In order to publish more primary biodiversity data more quickly through the GBIF network, we need a framework that addresses the social, technical and political concerns of potential data publishers. The GBIF Data Publishing Framework Task Group (DPF TG) will give recommendations on how to bring about a cultural change towards free and open access to primary biodiversity data, through the establishment of a Data Publishing Framework that addresses social, technical and policy concerns.

Objectives:

The GBIF DPF TG will provide recommendations on the following:  

• Review of primary scientific data publishing/dissemination in various disciplines and comparison with the current state of ‘primary biodiversity data’ publishing/dissemination
• Identification of social, technical and policy interventions that would encourage the publication of ‘primary biodiversity data’ as a necessary and in-built step within the scientific data management cycle
• Recommendations on opportunities and mechanisms to incentivise and attribute credit for investment in primary data publishing, from individual to institutional to national levels
• Conceptualisation of a ‘Data Usage Index’ together with technical implications of its implementation within the GBIF network.

Progress/Outcome:

The GBIF DPF TG exercise began during March 2009. Given the geographical spread of the DPF TG, most of the business was conducted through email, wiki and teleconferences.

The Group met in June 2009 in Copenhagen and submit its recommendations in August 2009.