Data and Information

Science is dependent on the production and use of data. The integration of data and information from different disciplines and across national boundaries is central to ICSU’s role in supporting international science for the benefit of society. Access to this data and information for all scientists is core to the concept of the universality of science.

New information technologies offer tremendous opportunities for the improved communication, exploitation, storage and processing of scientific data and information. At the same time, new challenges are appearing, relating to the commercial value, accessibility, security, standardisation and validation of scientific data. New mechanisms and models are being developed for the publication and dissemination of scientific information. The field is moving incredibly quickly due to both the ‘pull’ of new technological developments and the ‘push’ of science needs.

In order to define its own strategy in this area, ICSU has carried out an assessment (PAA : Priority Area Assessment) of its existing activities and future needs, which was published in 2004. In parallel to this, the Council was also a major contributor to the UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS, 2002-205). These two activities led to the formulation of the following strategic goal for ICSU in the 2006-2011 period: "to facilitate a coordinated global approach to scientific data and information that ensures equitable access to quality data and information for research, education and informed decision-making"

As part of the process towards achieving this, an ad hoc Strategic Committee on Information and Data (SCID) has been established. This committee, whose terms of reference have now been agreed, will initially focus on the future role of several of ICSU’s existing Interdisciplinary Bodies.

1. Intellectual Property
2. PAA on Data and Information
3. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
4. Other ICSU activities