About
About World Data System
The World Data System (WDS) acts under the leadership of the Scientific Committee. The International Program Office (WDS-IPO) coordinates the operations of WDS and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Scientific Committee. It is also responsible for organizing the meetings of the Scientific Committee, the biennial WDS Conference (SciDataCon), the WDS Members’ Forum, and outreach and promotional activities. The IPO is based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America, hosted by the University of Tennessee Oak Ridge Innovation Institute.
The International Technology Office (WDS-ITO) supports repositories as they maintain and upgrade their services, including creation of technical roadmaps and mature infrastructure. It is responsible for research to support technical services for repositories including creating user interfaces, crosswalks, and complex queries. The ITO is based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, hosted by the University of Victoria.
History of WDS
World Data Centers
WDS builds on the 50+ year legacy of the World Data Centers and Federation of Astronomical and Geophysical data analysis Services established by the International Council for Science (ICSU) to manage data generated by the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958). It became clear after the International Polar Year (2007–2008) that these bodies were not able to respond fully to modern data needs, and they were thus disbanded by the ICSU General assembly in 2008 and replaced by the World Data System in 2009.