Internet of Samples: Progress report

Material samples form an important portion of the data infrastructure for many disciplines. Here, a material sample is physical object, representative some thing, on which observations can be made. may collected one project initially, but also valuable resources other studies in Collecting and curating costly process. Integrating institutionally managed collections, along with those sitting individual offices or labs, necessary to faciliate large-scale evidence-based scientific research. Many have recognized problems are working make related FAIR: findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable. The Internet Samples (i.e., iSamples) these projects. iSamples was funded by United States National Science Foundation 2020 following aims: enable previously impossible connections between diverse disparate sample-based observations; support existing research programs facilities that collect manage types; facilitate new interdisciplinary collaborations; provide efficient solution FAIR samples, avoiding duplicate efforts different domains (Davies et al. 2021) initial collections will up internet include from System Earth Sample Registration (SESAR), Open Context , Genomic Observatories Meta-Database (GEOME), Smithsonian Institution Museum Natural History (NMNH), representing disciplines geoscience, archaeology/anthropology, biology. To achieve aims, proposed (Fig. 1) has two key components: Box (iSB) Central (iSC). iSC component permanent service preserves, indexes, provides access metadata aggregated iSBs. It ensure persistent identifiers descriptions assigned used iSBs synchronized records identifier authorities like International Geo Number (IGSN) Archival Resource Key (ARK). create maintain their respective collection samples. While providing held locally, iSB allows harvest its records. modeling strategy adopted profile-based approach, where core fields applicable all schema iSamples. Each participating collectionis free additional records, harvested discoverable through user interface APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), just core. In-depth analysis profiles including Darwin Core, resulted currently being tested refined use. See current version schema. A number properties require controlled vocabulary. Controlled vocabularies kept, while developed high-level grouping consistent semantics across types. Examples Category, Specimen Type (Table 1). These were bottom-up manner, based terms collections. For each vocabulary, decision tree graph created illustrate relations among terms, card sorting exercise conducted within team feedback. Domain experts invited take part this here, here. as upper-level category hence iSample members active TDWG Task Group global consultation Digital Extended Specimens. lead participate sister coordination network (RCN), Sampling Nature. goal RCN develop refine standards projects focusing We cordially invite you Nature help shape future Contact Sarah Ramdeen ([email protected]) engage RCN.