Our biggest challenges in 2015

Early January is always the time to think about last year’s achievements and what’s ahead of us. And it is always the same: no matter how great the previous year was, the challenges ahead feel overwhelming. This post is about the biggest challenges being faced by the Research Infrastructure (RI) community as identified by the Horizon 2020 Advisory Group on European Research Infrastructures. After having read this post, please tell me if I have reasons to feel overwhelmed.

Some reflections after #RDAITEU2014

These are the main points that I take back to Brussels after one day and a half of inspiring presentations and fruitful conversations with members of the RDA and research e-Infrastructures communities.

RDA brings together all stakeholders in the field of research data. The institutional and governmental support is strong and scientific communities are engaged in solving specific data-related problems. The momentum must be sustained perhaps also through financial incentives. Involvement of computer scientists and industry must also be reinforced. Sharing of basic services across scientific communities must be pursued. On this the most advanced communities must take the lead. The initiative launched by Cristina Messa when closing the workshop will help in this respect.