Conferences

This presentation will outline the activities that are being undertaken to upgrade the CESSDA Research Infrastructure (RI) for the benefit of researchers in the European Research Area, focussing on the need for standards and harmonisation to achieve many of its goals. The undertaking has been possible following a major award totalling 2.7 million euros and is a direct result of the CESSDA RI being identified by the ESFRI Roadmap [3] as an existing pan-European RI recommended for a major upgrade.

Collectively, CESSDA members hold over 25,000 data collections which are made available via online services to researchers in the social science and humanities. The amount of datasets available will increase as the CESSDA RI develops and engages with data producers, (for example Inter-governmental organisations, National Statistical Institutes and other organisations who commission publicly funded research). Our goal is to allow easy data discovery and access from the CESSDA portal; a 'one-stop-shop’ built on tools and underlying systems that will permit seamless access to data for researchers regardless of the location of either data or researcher. Central to this goal will be the need for harmonisation and the adoption of common standards by all member organisations. The enhanced CESSDA be responsible for: identifying appropriate and necessary standards for its membership; assisting prospective members to meet these; and monitoring ongoing adherence by its member organisations.