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NRC-CISTI launches gateway to scientific data

May 25, 2009, Ottawa – Scientific data generated during the research process can be an important resource for researchers, but only if it is accessible and usable. Thanks to a new initiative of the NRC Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI) researchers now have a central gateway for easier access to Canadian scientific, technical and medical (STM) data sets and other important data repositories.

The Gateway to Scientific Data will help ensure that the valuable data generated by Canadian researchers is more easily accessible so that it can be re-used for other research endeavours. With the ability to access and use data from a multitude of sources, researchers will be better positioned to turn research into discoveries and innovations.

This initiative is an important part of NRC-CISTI’s efforts to provide researchers with access to the information resources they need to remain at the forefront of R&D developments in Canada and around the world.

Along with links to data sets, the new Gateway provides links to selected policies and best practices guiding data management and curation activities in Canada. It also includes links to selected journals and upcoming conferences and meetings.

The Gateway to Scientific Data is part of NRC-CISTI’s contribution to a broader national initiative undertaken by the Research Data Strategy (RDS) Working Group to address the challenges and issues surrounding the access and preservation of data arising from Canadian research.

NRC-CISTI is coordinating this multi-disciplinary effort, focusing on the necessary actions, next steps and leadership roles that researchers and institutions can take to ensure Canada’s research data is accessible and usable for current and future generations of researchers.