1 Apr 2026 | Member Highlights
The Level-1 and Atmosphere Archive & Distribution System Distributed Active Archive Center (LAADS DAAC), established in 2007, works to archive and distribute Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) science data products and NASA versions of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) science data products to the global Earth science research and applications community. LAADS DAAC also provides access to datasets, tools, and data services to users.
LAADS DAAC partners well with WDS as both organizations work to provide open access to data and data services. LAADS DAAC actively works to gather, maintain, and distribute quality data to the greater scientific community, which aligns well with the mission of WDS. LAADS DAAC became a regular member in August 2019.
1 Apr 2026 | Member Highlights
The Centre de Données astronomiques de Strasbourg (CDS) is an astronomy reference data center hosted by the Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg (ObAS) under the authority of the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Strasbourg. The CDS has developed numerous data services utilized by the astronomical community. The CDS also works to collect, maintain, and disseminate astronomical data worldwide.
The CDS works well as a partner to WDS through a shared goal of preserving and distributing data to the global scientific community. Through their many data services, the CDS helps researchers collect and maintain their data, aiding in the long-term preservation and dissemination of said data. The CDS became a regular member in December 2013.
3 Mar 2026 | Member Highlights
The Geo Big Data Open Platform operated by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) is a national research data repository dedicated to long-term preservation, open access, and responsible reuse of geoscience and environmental data. KIGAM actively provides DOI-assigned datasets, standardized metadata, and open access services aligned with the FAIR principles, and contributes to national and international research data ecosystems through interoperability with the Korean national research data platform (DataON).
The Geo Big Data Open Platform and WDS both work toward long-term data preservation, open access, and data preservation. Their commitment to these common goals illustrates why they will make an excellent partner for WDS. The Geo Big Data Open Platform became a regular member of WDS in February 2026.
3 Mar 2026 | Member Highlights
The National High Energy Physics Science Data Center (NHEPSDC) focuses on the aggregation and sharing of scientific data generated during research activities in the field of high energy physics, encompassing data resources, software tools, and data analysis capabilities. The data center provides services to researchers, students, and other users worldwide for fundamental research in high energy physics, neutron science, synchrotron radiation experiments, astrophysics, and other interdisciplinary research fields.
NHEPSDC and WDS share the common goals of ensuring access to high quality data, providing data services, and creating community through the sharing and preservation of data. These shared goals make the NHEPSDC an ideal partner for WDS. The National High Energy Physics Scientific Data Center became a regular member of WDS in February 2026.
2 Feb 2026 | Member Highlights
Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) is an international consortium of 800+ academic and research bodies, providing leadership and training in data access, curation, and analytical methods for social science. ICPSR collaborates with funders, including federal US agencies, to develop themed data collections and projects. Their research delves into digital curation challenges and policy initiatives.
WDS and ICPSR share a common goal to ensure data is stored and preserved following the FAIR principles for long-term data storage. As caretakers of data long-term, ICPSR works diligently to maintain stringent data management policies, a practice supported by the WDS mission. The data management policies used by ICPSR align well with WDS’ work to aid in the creation of accessible, first-class data, making the partnership between WDS and ICPSR ideal. ICPSR became a regular member of the World Data System in February 2016.
