The MaLDReTH II Working Group aims to advance and sustain the digital research tools landscape mapping initiative established by its predecessor. Building on the first community-sourced, systematically organized map of the research data lifecycle, this group will enhance the framework through four key deliverables: an attributes checklist for tool assessment, development of use cases, a sustainability framework, and integration with the GORC International Model. The group represents a collaborative effort to improve tool interoperability and selection across the research data ecosystem.

The digital research infrastructure landscape faces persistent challenges in tool selection, integration, and interoperability. MaLDReTH I successfully created the first comprehensive mapping of research tools to lifecycle stages, providing a foundation for systematic tool categorization. However, to ensure long-term value and adoption, this framework requires:

1. Enhanced tool characterization through standardized attributes assessment
2. Sustainable governance and maintenance mechanisms
3. Development of use cases
4. Integration with complementary frameworks, particularly the GORC International Model

By addressing these needs, MaLDReTH II will provide practical value to:

• Researchers seeking appropriate tools for their workflows
• Infrastructure developers building research commons and clouds
• Organizations working to improve research tool interoperability
• The broader research community striving for FAIR and open science practices

The group’s work directly supports improved research infrastructure development at institutional, national, and international levels, contributing to enhanced research quality and reproducibility globally.

The MaLDReTH II Working Group aims to advance and sustain the digital research tools landscape mapping initiative established by its predecessor. Building on the first community-sourced, systematically organized map of the research data lifecycle, this group will enhance the framework through four key deliverables: an attributes checklist for tool assessment, development of use cases, a sustainability framework, and integration with the GORC International Model. The group represents a collaborative effort to improve tool interoperability and selection across the research data ecosystem.

The digital research infrastructure landscape faces persistent challenges in tool selection, integration, and interoperability. MaLDReTH I successfully created the first comprehensive mapping of research tools to lifecycle stages, providing a foundation for systematic tool categorization. However, to ensure long-term value and adoption, this framework requires:

1. Enhanced tool characterization through standardized attributes assessment
2. Sustainable governance and maintenance mechanisms
3. Development of use cases
4. Integration with complementary frameworks, particularly the GORC International Model

By addressing these needs, MaLDReTH II will provide practical value to:

• Researchers seeking appropriate tools for their workflows
• Infrastructure developers building research commons and clouds
• Organizations working to improve research tool interoperability
• The broader research community striving for FAIR and open science practices

The group’s work directly supports improved research infrastructure development at institutional, national, and international levels, contributing to enhanced research quality and reproducibility globally.