Engaging research communities for data mobilization and use

Context

Nodes play an essential role in building engagement with researchers within their countries and networks, promoting open science principles (in line with the UNESCO open science recommendation) and building communities of data publishers and users. Research communities can help to identify data gaps, data needs, and challenges in the use of the available data that can help nodes to prioritize activities. Several nodes have succeeded in embedding GBIF within academic training programmes (see guiding example from Benin), developing capacity and encouraging new generations of researchers to follow open science practices. GBIF’s focus on thematic communities (including soil, freshwater and disease vector thematic communities in 2023), will lead to growing interest in data publishing and data use from researchers that will seek to connect with nodes for support. (See Nodes Strategy #1 for more detail.

Learning objectives

After completing this module, you should be able to perform the following:

  • Describe successful examples of developing a scientific community.

  • Describe successful examples of engagement of scientific leaders and within higher education.

  • Identify active users of GBIF-mediated data and authors of papers.

  • Identify community engagement tools and resources.

  • Develop a strategy to engage the research community within your country.

Trainers

The following trainers have developed the content for this topic:

Dimitri Brosens, Node Manager, Belgium

Dr. Jean C. Ganglo, Node Manager, Benin

Secretariat consultant: Dmitry Schigel, Scientific Officer

research communities team

Preparation

Complete the following activities to prepare for the onsite sessions:

Read about how and where GBIF-mediated data is used.

Module 1

GBIF as a research infrastructure

This presentation provides an introduction to GBIF as a research infrastructure

 

Engaging research communities - Benin

This presentation focuses on experiences engaging the research community in Benin.

 

 

Discussion

During this section you will contribute to a discussion on engaging research communities.

 

Identifying use of data

For this activity, you will watch a demonstration and then have the opportunity examine the use of science in your country.

 

  1. Scroll and select the Peer-reviewed papers using Data section on the GBIF.org homepage.

  2. Using the filters on the left, select a Topic.

  3. Using the filters on the left, select your country for the Country or area of researcher. Note the number of peer-reviewed papers.

  4. Clear your filter for Country or area of researcher.

  5. Using the filters on the left, select your country for Country or area of coverage. Note the number of peer-reviewed papers.

  6. Select one of the papers. Examine the information provided. Do you know any of the researchers?

  7. Using the search in the menu bar (magnifying glass icon), search for your country.

  8. Select your country from the result and review the Activity report. How might you use this information in engaging with researchers in your community?

Module 2

Engaging research communities - Belgium

This presentation focuses on experiences engaging the research community in Belgium.

 

 

Community engagment BINGO

For this activity, you will be placed in teams of 3-4 where you will list the community building tools and resources that your Nodes currently have, should have and would like to have in the future.

 

 

Discussion

During this section you will contribute to a discussion following the community engagement bingo activity.

 

National examples

During this section you will review several Nodes examples and contribute to a discussion on engaging research communities.

 

 

Action plan

Use this action plan to develop your strategy for engaging the research community in your country. Share with your Node buddies for feedback.