Member Highlight: Environmental Information Data Centre

The Environmental Information Data Centre (EIDC) is the United Kingdom’s national data center for terrestrial and freshwater sciences and accepts environmental data in re-usable formats for curation, including long-term storage and public dissemination. They assist researchers in ensuring that the data they produce are curated appropriately for the long-term, guaranteeing their security, accessibility, and re-usability for the user community. Additionally, they provide advice on best practice for data management during a project’s lifetime and assistance in depositing data with the EIDC for long-term curation.

EIDC’s commitment to long-term data preservation and data reusability aligns well with the WDS mission. Their continued efforts to accept and manage data that is accessible and reusable, as well as their goal of long-term curation for acquired data, make them an excellent fit for WDS. EIDC became a regular member of WDS in October 2019.

Member Highlight: DataCite

DataCite is a global organization that provides Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) to research data, other research outputs, and resources, such as samples, preprints, software, etc. DataCite offers organizations in the research community the opportunity to register PID metadata to their research outputs and resources, which allows them to become discoverable. The metadata associated with the outputs and resources are then made available to the community, which helps strengthen the research ecosystem.

DataCite is a strong partner for WDS, as both organizations are actively working to promote open science and increase the adoption of PIDs among researchers and organizations. By providing PIDs and allowing PID metadata to be registered by organizations, DataCite is strengthening the research community through data findability and research connections, which correlates well with WDS’ mission. DataCite became an associate member of WDS in September 2014.

Member Highlight: World Data Centre for Geomagnetism, Edinburgh

The World Data Centre for Geomagnetism, Edinburgh, operated by the British Geological Survey, houses digital records of geomagnetic observatory data from institutes around the world. It also holds data from land, marine, satellite, and aeromagnetic surveys and repeat stations, as well as charts and computations from main field models, magnetic and solar activity indices, and an archive of historical and analogue records. Their mission is to collate, store, and distribute high-quality geomagnetic data and metadata, ensuring these resources remain accessible to both scientists and the public for generations to come.

WDC for Geomagnetism, Edinburgh’s dedication to data preservation and stewardship aligns perfectly with the mission of the World Data System. Their comprehensive approach to data curation, encompassing both digital innovation and the safeguarding of historical records, mirrors WDS’s dedication to trustworthy data infrastructures and international collaboration. Together, both organizations strive to foster a research environment where critical geoscience data are preserved, discoverable, and put to use in addressing pressing scientific and societal challenges worldwide. The World Data Centre for Geomagnetism, Edinburgh became a regular member of the World Data System in July 2012.

Member Highlight: Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center

The Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center (OB.DAAC), operated by the Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG), houses all data produced or collected under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). The OBPG supports the collection, processing, calibration, and validation of ocean-related products from a number of NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and international missions. They continue to evolve and expand to meet the demands and challenges of future missions.

OB.DAAC and WDS exemplify a shared commitment to open, high-quality, and accessible scientific data, prioritizing long-term data stewardship and interoperability. OBPG’s rigorous archiving standards, collaborative approach with international partners, and continuous innovation in data services align seamlessly with WDS’s mission to foster trusted global data infrastructures. Together, they strengthen the foundation for interdisciplinary research and informed decision-making on ocean health, climate change, and environmental stewardship, advancing the principles of FAIR data across the scientific community. The Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center became a regular member of the World Data System in April 2018.

Member Highlight: Level-1 and Atmosphere Archive & Distribution System Distributed Active Archive Center

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.

Member Highlight: Centre de Données Astronomiques de Strasbourg

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.