Research Hardware Definition

FAIR Principles for Research Hardware IG

Group Co-chairs: Nadica Miljković, Julien Colomb

Subgroup Chair: Alexander Struck

Supporting Output Title: Research Hardware Definition

Authors: Nadica Miljković, Julien Colomb, Moritz Maxeiner, Robert Mies, Ana Petrus, Vladimir Milovanović, Mirco Panighel, and Alexander Struck

Impact: The FAIR4RH IG members within the subgroup FAIR4RH-Definition examined available sources (literature and RH use cases) to propose RH definition that would further benefit the application of FAIR principles to RH which is the main goal of FAIR4RH IG. In broader sense, FAIR4RH IG aims to facilitate and empower dissemination of RH.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): As outlined in the Supporting Output, RH definition is required for the application of FAIR principles for RH which may further facilitate better collaboration according to the UN SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). The proposed output is a necessary preparatory step into our future  work on the adaptation of FAIR principles for RH that can ultimately be instrumental for enhanced and sustainable production, use and re-use of such hardware which can contribute also to UN SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and UN SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Specifically, open and FAIR RH dissemination relates closely to a larger UN SDG list: 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).

DOI: 10.15497/RDA00105

Citation: Miljković, N., Colomb, J., Maxeiner, M., Mies, R., Petrus, A., Milovanović, V., Panighel, M., Struck, A., & RDA FAIR Principles for Research Hardware IG. (2024). Research Hardware Definition (Version 2.2). Research Data Alliance. https://doi.org/10.15497/RDA00105

Abstract: “Research Hardware is a physical object developed as part of or for a research process.” This definition is proposed after reviewing and discussing the literature about the related concept of open (source) hardware, scientific hardware, other hardware in research, and related research outputs. We also discuss the relation between research hardware and its package of (digital) assets that may include hardware design files, software, documentation, and branding. This definition includes research hardware of any complexity, independently of the quality of its documentation package or from its initial or current purpose. In many cases, projects should ascertain objects as research hardware at their own discretion.

Alexander Struck from Cluster of Excellence “Matters of Activity” chairs this subgroup (e-mail: Alexander.Struck@hu-berlin.de) and served as the Editor of the Research Hardware definition document. Please join the RDA group FAIR Principles for Research Hardware - FAIR4RH to follow our work. The group is free to join and we would love to have you with us.