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Group Session January 24, 2025

MaLDReTH 2.0: Advancing Tool Interoperability in the Research Data Lifecycle

Plenary: RDA 24th Plenary Meeting – Fully Virtual

Submitted by
Rory Macneil
Recording

Meeting objectives

Collaborative session notes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10LyFdZCdQ8a27btUKH0bQLLa47DsFXrA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104358842683409363823&rtpof=true&sd=true

This session presents the outcomes of the ofr-RDA Mapping the Landscape of Digital Research Tools (MaLDReTH) Working Group and introduces MaLDReTH 2.0, which will focus on establishing standardized approaches for describing and documenting tool interoperability across the research data lifecycle. Key objectives include:

  • Showcasing the MaLDReTH framework and visualization prototype for tool categorization
  • Presenting the methodology for mapping tool interoperability and data flow patterns
  • Introducing plans for tool metadata standardization and automated validation
  • Discussing community-driven governance for sustainable tool documentation
  • Outlining integration pathways with existing research infrastructure initiatives
  • GORC 2 WG Collaboration kickoff

Meeting presenters

Adam Vials Moore (Jisc, UK), Rory Macneil (Research Space, UK), Halle Burns (Princeton University, US)

Meeting agenda

  1. Welcome and MaLDReTH Overview (5 minutes)
    • Framework achievements and impact
    • Transition to MaLDReTH 2.0 focus
  2. MaLDReTH 2.0 Working Areas (25 minutes)
    • Tool interoperability mapping methodology
    • Metadata standards and schema development
    • Machine-readable tool profiles
    • Automated validation approaches
    • Integration patterns and APIs
  3. Collaboration with GORC 2 (15 minutes)
    • Integration with existing frameworks (GORC, FAIR)
  4. Community Engagement & Governance (25 minutes)
    • Workshops
    • Multi-stakeholder engagement model
    • Technical Working Groups structure
    • Community validation processes
    • Sustainability planning
    • Adoption pathways
  5. Next Steps (5 minutes)
    • Working group participation opportunities
    • Contribution guidelines
    • Timeline and milestones

Target audience

Research Software Engineers and Tool Developers Data Stewards and Research Data Managers Research Infrastructure Providers Research Performing Organizations Open Science/Research Commons Professionals Repository Managers and Librarians Research Policy Makers This session will particularly benefit those interested in contributing to the development of standardized approaches for documenting and validating tool interoperability in research data workflows. Participants will gain insights into both technical and governance aspects of research tool metadata standardization.

Group Activities and Scope

MaLDReTH I focused on developing a comprehensive framework for understanding and categorizing digital research tools across the research data lifecycle. Key outputs included: Creation of a harmonized research data lifecycle model; Development of a tool categorization schema mapping different types of research tools; Implementation of an interactive visualization prototype

The response to MalDReTH has been very positive.  Several institutions, including UCL, Oxford University and JISC, have already used MalDReTH in reviewing and assessing their research infrastructure, and others have expressed interest in doing so.

Per the case Statement for MaLDReTH II, which has been submitted and is out for Community review, our ambitious plans include building on the foundation of MaLDReTH II to develop MaLDReTH as a useful tool for institutions to assess and enhance their research infrastructure, including through tool interoperability, technical development of MaLDReTH in terms of e.g. machine actionability and metadata standardization, community engagement via a series of workshops, exploring options for long term sustainability of the model, and, working with the GORC II WG, development of synergies between the MaLDReTH and GOC models.

 

Additional links to informative material

Working Group Page: 

https://www.rd-alliance.org/groups/mapping-the-landscape-of-digital-research-tools-ii-maldreth-ii/activity/ https://www.rd-alliance.org/groups/rda-ofr-mapping-landscape-digital-research-tools-wg Prototype Visualization: https://adamvialsmoore-jisc.shinyapps.io/r-proto Case Statement: https://rd-alliance.org/group/mapping-landscape-digital-research-tools-wg/case-statement/mapping-landscape-digital-research

Short Group Status

The MaLDReTH Working Group, established in September 2023, is currently transitioning from its successful first phase to an ambitious second phase (MaLDReTH 2.0). The group has completed its initial deliverables, including: A harmonized research data lifecycle model with crosswalks to existing models A comprehensive tool categorization schema A prototype visualization platform for the digital research tool landscape.  Council have reviewed and endorsed the final recommendations of the group.  A case statement for MaLDReTH II has been submitted and is currently out for Community review. This proposed session represents both a wrap-up of our initial achievements and a launch pad for MaLDReTH 2.0, making it a crucial moment for community engagement and future planning.

Applicable Pathways

Data Infrastructures and Environments - Generalist
Training, Stewardship, and Data Management Planning
Semantics, Ontology, Standardisation

Avoid conflict with the following groups

GORC International Implementations Working Group (GORC II WG)
Working with PIDs in Tools IG

Please indicate at least (3) three breakout slots that would suit your meeting.

Breakout 4. Tuesday, 8 April, 14:00-15:30 UTC
Breakout 7. Wednesday, 9 April, 14:00-15:30 UTC
Breakout 10. Thursday, 10 April, 14:00-15:30 UTC