What is FAIR data and why is it important for fusion energy research?

We’re embedding FAIR data principles into fusion research with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to drive the pursuit for clean energy.

There are millions of datasets all over the world that have been created but remain inaccessible or unusable. Despite these resources’ vast potential, hard-to-access data is a well-documented and continuous problem in research communities. The inability to access data can limit the speed of scientific discovery by potentially recreating data that already exists.

How can we share data efficiently to benefit society?

Fusion energy researchers explore how to replicate the Sun’s process of fusing light atomic nuclei to produce virtually limitless, clean, and sustainable energy on Earth. This field requires close scientific collaboration due to the complexity of the research, significant costs of technology & infrastructure, and the extended timescales needed for research & development. With the global clean energy crisis growing as a pressing societal and political challenge, the drive to develop alternative clean energy sources has never been stronger. Efficient and impactful research is crucial to this effort.

FAIR data is a big part of the solution for efficient research, as FAIR data-sharing principles allow research communities to access and get the most out of data:

• Findable – data must be easy to locate, so it should be described clearly with metadata with a unique identifier or tag.

• Accessible – data should be stored in a way that allows easy access with clear terms of use. If data is restricted, then information about how to access it should be available.

• Interoperable – data should be compatible with other datasets and systems, using standardised formats, languages and vocabulary so it can be easily integrated with other data sources.

• Reusable – data should be well documented and structured so it can be used by future researchers.

These principles were created precisely to ensure that large amounts of data like that collected from fusion research could be found and reused for the benefit of society.

How are we embedding the use of FAIR data-sharing?

As part of the Fusion Computing Lab, a collaboration between the STFC Hartree Centre and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) our researchers created a software solution designed to interface with a standard academic data-sharing platform called SciCat. This platform aggregates datasets while also organising and categorising entries into a comprehensive, searchable metadata database. This allows researchers to specify their data needs and be presented with a description of the contents of different, relevant data sources, and how to access them. Giving researchers the ability to navigate complex datasets allows them to access the information they need, when they need it.

Maximising the potential of existing datasets will ensure impactful, efficient research into fusion as a clean energy source. This will allow different research groups to effectively contribute to the shared goal. Embedding these principles also encourages the implementation of FAIR data-sharing across other research areas, promoting further collaboration for the benefit of society. We are committed to advancing FAIR data-sharing to unlock data’s full potential, drive innovation, and address global challenges.