Ecological Data Session

Ecological data uniquely include biotic and abiotic variables. In this listening session we will:

  • explore ecological data sources, especially as they relate to biodiversity research
  • discuss opportunities and challenges to working with ecological data and incorporating ecological data with associated and disparate data sources
  • consider ways that human and ecological data networks can be supported and sustained
  • identify stakeholders in the ecological data domain for future and ongoing involvement.

We welcome thoughts and ideas from the community related to ecological data during this listening session and via forum discussion.


Date: July 12, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT

Who is invited?
Representatives from NEON (National Ecological Observatory Network), NCEAS (National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis), the LTER Network (Long Term Ecological Research Network), and other ecological data stakeholders.

Facilitated by:
Libby Ellwood, Nico Franz, Matthew Sheik, and Mike Webster

Key Domain Representatives: 

  • Gregory Maurer, Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network
  • Stephanie Parker, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
Read the session summary.

Listening Session Discussion Questions

Please feel free to share your thoughts on these questions in the comments section below.

Part 1:

  • What do we mean by data integration?
  • What types of data should be included in this effort?
  • What other stakeholders or domains need to be part of this effort?

Part 2: Breakout Discussion

  • What are some challenges for integrating ecological data with other types of data?
  • What are evident areas to make progress, considering resource trade-offs, in the immediate, short-, and long-term?

Part 3:

  • Are there existing conceptual frameworks for integrating data within your organization? How would you approach aligning your goals with other frameworks, such as the Extended Specimen Network?
  • Are there current examples or models or seminal publications in your field that can inform FAIR data integration?
  • What do you view as the best path forward for data integration?

Go back to BIOFAIR Data Network 

One thought on “Ecological Data Session

  1. IdigBio is focused on specimen collections and is using DwC – connected to GBIF. I wonder what IdigBio plans to do with ecological data as that is what OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) do with its eMoF extension to DwC.

    Regarding marine biodiversity, OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF recently partnered together to promote marine biodiversity and OBIS practices. When people publish to GBIF it is encouraged they contribute to OBIS.

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