A Unified Data Infrastructure for Biological and Environmental Research: Report from the BER Advisory Committee

Summary

The BER Advisory Committee (BERAC) published a report in April 2024, recommending a strategy for a unified data infrastructure to address fragmented and inaccessible biological and environmental datasets within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The report identifies the core challenge as the difficulty in integrating multidisciplinary and multiscale data, which hinders predictive understanding and the effective use of AI/ML across BER's two science divisions. The proposed strategy, envisioned over a 5-year horizon, aims to integrate existing BER data resources, such as JGI which produced over 715,000 gigabases in 2023 for nearly 2,400 users, and enhance accessibility for a diverse scientific workforce. It suggests establishing a BER marketplace, harmonizing metadata, integrating BER's four Bioenergy Research Centers and other facilities, and building an AI hub. The plan emphasizes project-driven collaboration, targeted outreach, and a comprehensive training program to facilitate a culture change in data management, with nine specific strategic recommendations.

Key Facts

Source Document

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