data

Data networks and collaborative platforms

KNOWLEDGE HUB

 

Agro-ecological research relies on efficient data sharing, interoperability, and collaboration across diverse scientific domains. To support this, several international data networks and collaborative platforms are dedicated to enhancing data standardization, integration, and accessibility in agro-ecology and related fields. This page provides an overview of key networks and platforms that facilitate data sharing, standardization, and collaborative research.

 

Key networks and platforms

Agriculture Data Interoperability Interest Group (RDA): Established by the Research Data Alliance (RDA), this group promotes data standards and interoperability across agricultural domains. It facilitates collaboration among data practitioners and researchers to develop best practices and guidelines for data integration. Link to RDA Agriculture Data IG

agINFRA EU Project: A European initiative that enhances agricultural data interoperability and sharing through the development of open data infrastructures and tools. It supports the integration of diverse datasets for agricultural research and innovation. Link to agINFRA

AgroPortal: A vocabulary and ontology repository specifically designed for agronomy and related domains, such as nutrition, plant sciences, and biodiversity. It supports browsing, searching, and visualizing domain-relevant ontologies, promoting semantic interoperability and data integration. Link to AgroPortal

  • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): An international network providing open access to biodiversity data, supporting research on species diversity and ecosystem dynamics. https://www.gbif.org/ 
     
  • ENA (European Nucleotide Archive): A comprehensive archive for genomic and nucleotide sequence data, promoting data reuse and compliance with international standards. Link to ENA
     
  • AgroDataCube: A platform offering open and derived data collections for agricultural spatial data, supporting data integration and analysis for agri-food applications. Link to AgroDataCube
     
  • European Plant Phenotyping Network (EPPN): Provides access to advanced plant phenotyping facilities across Europe, promoting standardized data collection and sharing. EPPN enhances data interoperability through common data standards. Link to EMPHASIS
     
  • CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research):
    A global research partnership dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. It facilitates open data sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration across agricultural research domains, supporting sustainable agro-ecological practices. Through initiatives like the CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture and GARDIAN (Global Agricultural Research Data Innovation & Acceleration Network), CGIAR promotes the adoption of FAIR data principles, enhances data interoperability, and fosters innovation in agro-ecology. In addition, this framework includes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); a set of globally relevant metrics capturing economic, environmental, and social outcomes.

  • Consortium for Precision Crop Nutrition (CPCN): Facilitates access to global field trial data related to soil and crop nutrient concentrations, enhancing collaborative research on sustainable nutrient management. Link to CPCN
     
  • Agricultural Collaborative Research Outcomes System (AgCROS): A platform supporting data sharing and collaboration to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Link to AgCROS
     
  • FAIRsharing: A curated registry of standards, databases, and data policies to promote data stewardship and FAIR practices in life sciences, including agro-ecology. Link to FAIRsharing

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101058020 (AgroServ). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.