Helen Glaves, British Geological Survey

Helen is a Senior Data Scientist at the British Geological Survey (BGS), with more than 30 years’ experience in marine geoscience and geoinformatics. Her current role focuses on the development and implementation of research infrastructures, which includes acting as Director of the Integrated Core Services (ICS-C) for the European Plate Observing System (EPOS). She took over as the Vice President of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) in 2020 having previously served as the Earth and Space Science Informatics (ESSI) Division President for three years. Helen will assume the role of EGU President in April 2021 for a period of 2 years.

What is your history with the RDA and what impact has it had on you?

As an active member of RDA since it began, I have been one of the instigators and/or co-chairs for several groups including the Marine Data Harmonisation, Active Data Management Plans and Virtual Research Environments (VRE) interest groups. During 2016, I also had the honour of being elected to the Technical Advisory Board and re-elected for a second term in 2019. A major personal benefit of participating in many of the RDA groups, activities and events, including co-organising the 5th RDA IG/WG Co-Chairs Collaboration meeting in Nottingham during June 2016, has been the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of international data experts within the very open and cooperative environment created by this organisation.

What do you feel you bring to TAB and what is your experience so far in being a member?

I contribute a broad range of experience and expertise to TAB at both the domain level, having previously worked in the field of ocean informatics, and on a wider more general data policy level. My long involvement with the organisation means that I also have an in-depth knowledge of the evolution and functioning of RDA from its inception. All of which helps me to support the functioning of TAB. Being a member of TAB has provided me with the opportunity to be directly involved in guiding and shaping the continued development of RDA. It has also given me the chance to work with colleagues from a diverse range of disciplines well beyond my own research areas - some of whom have also become firm friends!