DIRISA National Research Data Workshop

23 Apr 2018
23 Apr 2018

The National Research Data Workshop will be held on 19-21 June 2018 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. This workshop is aimed at the academic and research community as well as participants who would like to share their knowledge and/or experience in data-intensive research and data management. This is the first workshop hosted by the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA) and will feature key contributions by leading researchers, research managers and experts who are currently shaping the future of data-intensive research and data management in South Africa. 

There will be a hands-on tutorial that focuses on aspects of data management aimed at all researchers, academics and participants who may require additional data management skills.

Abstract Submission

Invitations for abstract submissions are open. 

Abstracts are to be submitted, using the abstract template, via email to dirisa@csir.co.za by 4 May 2018. An email will be sent to acknowledge your submission, with the allocation of a unique number, within 24 hours. 

Please note these important dates:

  • Abstract submission closes: 4 May 2018
  • Notification of acceptance: 11 May 2018
  • Registration opens: 14 May 2018
  • Submission of extended abstracts: 25 May 2018
  • Conference: 19-21 June 2018

Themes for the National Data Workshop

Research Data Management and Policies

The focus of this theme is on topics related to policies, procedures and services for managing research data. What infrastructures and initiatives at different levels (local, national, international), such as frameworks, protocols and standards are needed to improve the value and benefit of data. The topic also includes items related to the provisioning of services that support good data management practices, human and organisational:

  • Research data management lifecycle 
  • Data management planning and related tools
  • Roles in research data management
  • Policies for research data management

Open Data and Data Citation

Measuring the progress of open data adoption and its growing impact is vital for decision-making and funding processes. Metrics that can serve as reward or penalty for data publishers for making their work understandable, accessible and reusable by the research community. These metrics will greatly help to encourage the open science movement. Successes, trials and ideas on topics such as those listed below are all welcome:

  • Data publication and citation
  • Leveraging open data
  • Data curation and preservation
  • Indicators and metrics for data citation
  • Making data sharable (FAIR) without compromising IP and impact

Data Privacy and Security

Researcher needs and reports on best practices and technical aspects that help new research infrastructures to ensure security, trust and confidentiality. Papers about gaps in the current services offerings, security in big and open data, policy frameworks and topics on:

  • Ethics
  • Legal and regulatory
  • Policies related to privacy and security of data
  • Cybersecurity

Data Science and Skills

The skills needed for researchers to be able to manage (open) data, to conduct research. These skills follow the research life cycle and cover design and setting up research data, data production, management, analysis, open access publishing and other ways to act in and beyond one’s own scholarly and disciplinary community:

  • Data science: data mining, data fusion/integration
  • Approaches, methodologies, initiatives and needs to increase data analytic skills
  • Data management skills
  • Capabilities to build, maintain and support advanced digital services for data-driven research

Technologies for Cyberinfrastructure

The focus of this theme is on the various technologies that can be used to build on cyberinfrastructure. Technologies for cyberinfrastructure relates to the distributed systems that are used to support research in a data-intensive environment. This can extend beyond the distributed computer systems, computer networks, information systems and communication technologies. Successful planning, development and implementation of various technologies are all welcome:

  • Data systems architecture
  • Data infrastructures
  • Federated identification and access (eg SAFIRE, EduGain)

For more information, visit the DIRISA website.