NDI perspectives at MERIL launch event

The MERIL-2 launch event also saw our second workshop with National Data Intermediaries (NDIs), which was aimed at examining gaps in the MERIL RI dataset in terms of under-represented disciplines and countries, and shining a spotlight on RIs in social sciences and humanities.

The MERIL team shared updates on the current data coverage, which currently sits at 55%. Figures were also shared on the representation of RIs by thematic group and by country.

Among discussion about NDI’s experiences, the usefulness of the MERIL portal feature which will allow RIs to self-nominate for inclusion was highlighted, particularly in areas which might have been overlooked during national RI list compilation. It was therefore recommended that a good MERIL communication campaign encouraging RIs to self-nominate would certainly achieve better RI coverage in MERIL.

Other key points discussed included:

• MERIL RI classifications and how they align with ESFRI classifications

Each MERIL RI can be classified under more than one MERIL Scientific Domain and MERIL RI Category, depending on the RI’s scientific areas of impact. In addition, MERIL RI records are also being categorised according to ESFRI RI classification.

• MERIL selection criteria

A document explaining the criteria for a MERIL-eligible RI can be found here.

• MERIL portal keyword search

MERIL portal keyword search functionality is under development and is limited to searching in RI Name data fields only at the moment, with the advanced search functionality currently being developed.

• RI costs data gathering as a top-down approach

MERIL will shortly be conducting a pilot study which will assess the feasibility of collecting RI impact, funding and financial data in an aggregated fashion. The trends observed could help answer questions regarding, for example, average costs needed to construct and run a certain type of RI. It was suggested that MERIL could serve as a hub that provides information about best practices that could potentially facilitate gathering the data of interest.