AI Revolutionizes Data Sharing in Scientific Research

Researchers are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to address the vast amounts of unused scientific data that remain trapped in laboratories. It is estimated that only one out of every 100 datasets generated leads to new findings, with approximately 80 staying within the lab and just two meeting the criteria for shared research. To change this trend, a new AI-driven algorithm known as FAIR2 Data Management has been introduced, aiming to make datasets reusable, verifiable, and citable.

Transforming Data Management

Developed by the open-science publisher Frontiers, the FAIR2 Data Management system is designed to streamline the data sharing process. This comprehensive service integrates essential steps such as curation, compliance checks, peer review, and interactive visualization into one platform. The goal is to ensure that research investments contribute to faster advancements in health, sustainability, and technology.

The FAIR2 system builds upon the FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable—by creating an expanded framework that guarantees every dataset is not only AI-compatible but also ethically reusable by both humans and machines. These principles were first articulated in a March 2016 paper published in the journal Scientific Data, and were subsequently endorsed by leaders at the G20 Hangzhou summit later that year.

Accelerating Scientific Discovery

The introduction of FAIR2 comes at a crucial time when the output of scientific research is rapidly increasing. The system offers a scalable infrastructure that effectively transforms high-level principles into actionable solutions. By automating processes that previously required significant manual effort—such as organizing datasets, generating metadata, and producing publishable outputs—FAIR2 significantly accelerates the pace at which researchers can share their findings.

Researchers who utilize this system receive four integrated outputs: a certified Data Package, a peer-reviewed and citable Data Article, an Interactive Data Portal featuring visualizations and AI chat, and a FAIR2 Certificate. Each of these components includes quality controls and clear summaries, making data easier to understand for users across various research disciplines.

One notable example of data utilization is the Environmental Pressure Indicators (1990-2050) dataset, which tracks emissions, waste, population, and GDP across 43 countries over six decades. This dataset underpins sustainability benchmarking and supports evidence-based climate policy planning. By enhancing visibility and accessibility, FAIR2 empowers scientists, policymakers, and communities to derive greater value from scientific investments.

The scientific community has responded positively to the FAIR2 initiative. Dr. Ángel Borja, Principal Researcher at AZTI and part of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), emphasized the potential of this system to facilitate rapid information generation and provide useful formatting for various end users. He stated, “I highly [recommend using] this kind of data curation and publication of articles.”

As the FAIR2 Data Management system gains traction, it seeks to overcome significant barriers within scientific research, including slow progress in areas like cancer treatment and the challenges presented by insufficient evidence in climate models. By ensuring that every dataset is preserved, validated, citable, and reusable, FAIR2 stands to accelerate discovery while granting researchers the recognition they deserve.