SCAR EXCOM 2015 WP20: Report on SCADM (Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management) Popular

SCAR EXCOM 2015 WP20: Report on SCADM (Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management)

Executive Summary

Title: Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management (SCADM)

Authors: Anton P. Van de Putte

Introduction/ Background: Data and information are valuable and irreplaceable resources. Proper management of data and information is not an “add-on” or an additional task; it is a fundamental aspect of modern science.

SCAR has adopted a Data and Information Management Strategy (DIMS), developed by the SCAR Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management (SCADM), to ensure that the scientific user community has adequate access to data and information. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) established the Joint Committee on Antarctic Data Management (JCADM) in 1997 to manage Antarctic data. In December 2008 the formal linkage with COMNAP ceased and JCADM became SC-ADM from January 2009.SC-ADM helps facilitate co-operation between scientists and nations with regard to scientific data. It advises on the development of the Antarctic Data Directory System and plays a major role in the International Polar Year data system (IPYDIS).

For the years 2014-2016 the priorities are:

1. Provide data access through the ADMS
2. Promote a distributed, interoperable network of accredited polar data centres

3. Data publication

Important Issues or Factors: Level of participation of countries is highly variable. Interaction with other stakeholders is becoming increasingly important.

Cost of travel limits participation to meeting. Online participation can be a cost effective alternative (Not only for SCADM but also for Secretariat, EXCOM and SCAR groups). In some case on site participation to meeting is still required.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: In order to facilitate communication, the EXCOM to decide if online conference facility services are needed as well as decide on a system to be used.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: SCAR conference facility services will improve communication for Secretariat, EXCOM and SCAR groups)

Partners: Secretariat, EXCOM and SCAR groups and other outside of SCAR.

Budget Implications: an annual budget for the use of online conference facility software/services.