EVENT ROUND-UP CAN BETTER DATA LEAD TO BETTER SCIENCE?


Can better data lead to better science and faster, more reliable discoveries?


Many high-level discussions have taken place over the last year – between funders, institutions and publishers – around best practice in data management. There are now 30 or more funder policies that require open data, a major frontier in open science, which proponents say will help advance the process of scientific discovery. But what are the practical implications for researchers?


This was the subject of the second Publishing Better Science through Better Data conference, based at the offices of Springer Nature in London. The full-day conference included advice on


publishing, advancing careers and discussion of emerging tools and resources available to researchers to help them, and society, derive maximum benefit from scientific


Sadly, all too often researchers rely on direct requests for data sharing


research. Speakers included representatives from leading journals, research organisations, funding agencies and technology providers.


Jeremy Frey, professor of physical chemistry at the University of Southampton, opened the


conference by positioning online management and sharing of research data as a natural extension of the internet. Frey reminded us that sharing data and detailed research methods shouldn’t be an alien concept; after all, we’re taught from an early age that it’s more important to ‘show your working’ than get the right answer. Sadly, all too often researchers rely on direct requests for data sharing, but this is unreliable and unsustainable. Andrew Hufton, managing editor for Scientific Data, warned that data is disappearing at a rate of about 17 per cent per year (Vines et al, 2014). Data too often remains unreferenced and invisible, while appropriate credit is rarely given


to those who do not publish their data. Other speakers touched on the point that, historically, the system of science publication has asked everyone, from authors to peer reviewers and editors, to work on trust alone. Jeorg Heber, executive editor of Nature Communications, reminded us that Watson and Crick’s 1952 paper on the structure of DNA contained no data whatsoever, but this simply wouldn’t be enough anymore. Increasingly, even sharing your data is not enough. The narrative of how the data was collected is becoming more and more important (particularly so in patent applications, for example).


Report by Amy Bourke-Waite and Iain Hrynaszkiewicz


ACCESS, DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFORMATION AT IFLA T


he role of libraries in sustainable development, the challenge of Big Data, and culture at risk in conflict zones were some of the issues in the spotlight at this year’s


World Library and Information Congress of IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions), held In Cape Town, South Africa.


Located at the impressive International Convention Centre, the Congress attracted 3,190 delegates from 109 countries. The World Congress is a major logistical operation, with more than 350 local volunteers offering their support. The programme offered 224 different sessions covering a spectrum of professional issues related to the conference theme, Dynamic Libraries: Access, Development and Transformation. There was an extensive exhibition space, poster display and organised visits to local libraries. A strong cultural and social programme included powerful storytellers and playwrights, a youth choir


from Soweto and a cultural evening of local cuisine, music and dance. The World Congress is a high-profile event and an official welcome was given by the South African Minister of Arts and Culture, the Honourable Nathi Mhethwa. Referencing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Mhethwa spoke


The programme offered 224 different sessions covering a spectrum of professional issues


about the difference libraries make as spaces that revolutionise and transform people’s lives for the better, underlining the importance of creating a global information society ‘where the culture of reading is a way of life’. The 2030 Agenda, approved by UN Members at the end of September, presents a set of ambitious goals for People, Planet and Prosperity over the next 15 years. The


theme was picked up at Congress by IFLA’s incoming president, Donna Scheeder, who highlighted the role played by IFLA and its partners in securing a place for library-related issues on the 2030 Agenda. They include access to information, universal literacy, access to information and communication technologies, and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.


Scheeder issued a ‘call for action’ to libraries, asking them to commit to building a change agenda that will connect libraries with their communities in new ways, equip individuals with the necessary information skills for the modern world, and enhance librarians’ skills and competencies. The new long-term IFLA Strategic Plan 2016-21, to be launched shortly, highlights such a role for libraries in empowering society by driving universal access to information, knowledge and culture in support of development, learning and creativity.


Report by Louise Edwards The full versions of these event reports are available at: www.researchinformation.info www.researchinformation.info @researchinfo DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 Research Information 15


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