The Cross Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF)

The Cross-Domain Interoperability Framework (CDIF) is designed to support FAIR implementation for these projects by establishing a ‘lingua franca’ for this information, based on existing standards and technologies to support interoperability, in both human- and machine-actionable fashion. CDIF is a set of implementation recommendations, based on profiles of common, domain-neutral metadata standards which are aligned to work together to support core functions required by FAIR.

The report presents a core set of five CDIF profiles, which address the most important functions for cross-domain FAIR implementation.

Discovery

Discovery of data and metadata resources

Data access

Machine-actionable descriptions of access conditions and permitted use

Controlled vocabularies

Good practices for the publication of controlled vocabularies and semantic artefacts

Data integration

Description of the structural and semantic aspects of data to make it integration-ready

Universals

The description of ‘universal’ elements, time, geography, and units of measurement

Future profiles

Future CDIF Profiles

A further set of topics is examined, establishing the priorities for further work. These include:

  • A further set of topics is examined, establishing the priorities for further work. These include:
  • Provenance (the description of provenance and processing)
  • Context (the description of ‘context’ in the form of dependencies between fields within the data and a description of the research setting)
  • Perspectives on AI (discussing the impacts of AI and the role that metadata can play)
  • Packaging (the creation of archival and dissemination packages)
  • Additional Data Formats (support for some of the data formats not fully supported in the initial release, such as NetCDF, Parquet, and HDF5).

Adopting a Cross-Domain Interoperability (CDI) approach greatly improves the openness and accessibility of data and resources. This method allows different systems to interact seamlessly, fostering environments that are inclusive and open. Such ecosystems provide broad access to data and resources, encouraging a diverse group of stakeholders to leverage this information for innovation. This enhances knowledge sharing and leads to the creation of solutions that truly meet the needs of end-users. Ultimately, CDI supports the evolution of industries and sectors by ensuring they can meet modern challenges effectively.

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