In April, we hosted the first CTC workshop in Delitzsch, focusing on advancing digital data standards sustainability in the Chemical Sciences. Organized in collaboration with the Beilstein-Institut, the InChI Trust, the IUPAC WorldFAIR Chemistry project and NFDI4Chem, the event welcomed around 50 international participants eager to discuss the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
The workshop, which aimed to shape the future of digital data standardization in Chemistry, focused on several key objectives:
- Establishing community assets to support the adoption of standards, such as tools for standards mapping and data harmonization.
- Launching a community coalition to foster ongoing collaboration and development in the field.
- Identifying use cases and parameters for chemistry data reuse across multiple sectors.
- Developing collective messaging and value propositions to promote standards adoption and sustainable business models.
Inspiring Welcome and Thought-Provoking Discussions
The first day kicked off with a warm opening by workshop chair Leah McEwen (IUPAC), setting the tone for what promised to be an exciting event. The participants were then welcomed with an inspiring address by CTC founding director Prof. Dr. Dr. hc Peter Seeberger, who highlighted the importance of the workshop in advancing global conversations on digital data standards sustainability in the chemical sciences.
Following the opening speeches, the workshop featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled, “What does long-term success look like for standards?” The panelists Dr. Anne Nijs, InChI Trust; Prof. Dr. Genji Kurisu, Protein Data Bank; Dr. Kamil Dziubek, International Union of Crystallography and Dr. Carsten Kettner, STRENDA, who are recognized experts in the field, shared their insights on overcoming the barriers to standards adoption, ensuring their long-term relevance, and effectively communicating the value of digital data standards to various stakeholders. Discussions covered key topics such as the scope of standards development, challenges related to adoption and sustainability, and the importance of messaging and fundraising.
Interactive Sessions on Use Cases and Standards Mapping
The participants engaged in highly interactive sessions, diving into use cases and standards mapping. These sessions offered the opportunity for hands-on discussions, brainstorming, and problem-solving, as attendees explored practical strategies for implementing and sustaining digital standards in the chemistry field. Collaboration was at the forefront, with participants working together to address challenges and identify actionable solutions.
The day concluded with a highly anticipated dinner speech by Prof. Dr. Ph.D. Bernhard Sabel, who discussed how data standardization can play a crucial role in combating fake science. The evening provided further insights into the value of standardization in fostering scientific integrity and transparency.
Collaboration and Cross-Disciplinary Insights
Day 2 of the workshop continued the momentum with a rich lineup of discussions and collaborative sessions. The day kicked off with a panel on “Successful Community Collaboration,” featuring experts like Dr. Christian Baber, Pistoia Alliance; Dr. Ulrike Wittig, ELIXIR; Dr. Oliver Koepler, NFDI Consortium and Martin Golebiewski, DIN/ISO. The panelists shared valuable insights on the critical resources required to initiate and sustain digital standards initiatives. They also discussed the challenges they encountered along the way and how their collaborative models evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of their sectors.
The workshop also featured a dynamic round robin session, where participants explored the maturity of data standards in neighboring disciplines. This session highlighted the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration in enhancing interoperability and fostering innovation, with participants brainstorming new ways to support the widespread adoption of digital standards.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Digital Standards in Chemistry
The workshop concluded with a brainstorming session among the participants to identify future opportunities for collaboration and ensure that the discussion on digital standards continues. The main outcomes of the day emphasized the importance of continued teamwork, reflection, and action towards a more interoperable and sustainable future for digital data standards in chemical sciences.
With attendees from over 10 countries, the event has proven to be an invaluable gathering of experts from industry, academia, standardization organizations, and government, all committed to advancing digital data standards sustainability. It provided an excellent platform for fostering international collaboration, bringing together global experts and stakeholders to tackle the critical issues of data standardization in chemistry.
