The study has explored research data resources which organize their data records in datasets. The description of records tends to be specific for each discipline, but the description of the dataset itself is quite similar, therefore the report proposes a simple metadata guideline to allow EOSC users and services to find and access data, based on a number of common properties, found across diverse scientific disciplines.
Picture 1. Representation of a minimum set of metadata properties used in different data models. On the left, circles represent metadata properties (minimum properties) to be exposed to help EOSC services and users to find metadata. The coloured boxes represent different data models containing different properties, including the minimum set of metadata properties, which can be mapped across data models (solid line)
Minimum and common metadata is useful for data discovery and access, but it is essential that data is described beyond the minimum metadata, through the use of rich and domain specific metadata formats and guidelines.
The report recommends adoption of the EDMI metadata guidelines, however they are still in a early draft status and require test and validation through feedback from data resources and consumers.