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 the Strategic Plan 2006-2011, ICSU sets as a strategic goal "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". In order to achieve this, a new ad hoc Strategic Coordinating Committee for Information and Data (SCCID) has been established to provide broad expertise and advice to ICSU in this area.

ICSU also committed itself to reform its Data and Information interdisciplinary bodies. As a result, the ICSU World Data System has been created (as an ICSU Interdisciplinary Body), incorporating the former World Data Centres (WDCs) and the Federation of Astronomical and Geophysical data analysis Service (FAGS) as well as other ‘state of the art’ data centres and services.

SUMMARY :

1. World Data System
2. Strategic Coordination Committee on Information and Data
3. Other ICSU activities
4. Archives