Interview: "Ensuring sustainable data storage solutions in polar science is key for data legacy"

In this interview, iC3 data manager Fabio Sarti discusses the challenges of managing polar research data, building a lasting scientific legacy, and the need for sustainable, unified data solutions for the future.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your role as data manager at iC3?

My name is Fabio Sarti, I am the data manager for the iC3 Polar Research Hub in the Geosciences department of the UiT Arctic University of Norway. My position is divided into three parts: one dedicated to iC3, another to the Department of Geoscience, and recently, some of my time is also allocated to the iC3 affiliated project i2B Into the Blue.

At CAGE, the previous Centre of Excellence hosted at the Geosciences department, I managed data for eight years and took care of the data legacy, which is something that will become increasingly important in the centre's second term. [iC3 has a ten year funding window.]

Credit: Fabio Sarti

Could you explain what a data legacy is?

Data legacy refers to what the centre will leave for the future, and in what form. It’s not just about data but encompasses a lot of things. I started preparing for this legacy early because it’s a demanding task that cannot be left until the end of the centre’s term.

I’ve been working on services and systems that will ensure that the centre’s data and other outputs are ready for the future.

What types of data do you mainly work with, and how do you handle the diversity of data types?

At the moment, I’m not fully managing data but rather creating an inventory of the types of data collected or produced by iC3 researchers. This inventory serves as a groundwork for future data management efforts.

The challenge lies in the diversity of data types, which I’m still learning about through this inventory process. Once it’s completed, we’ll categorize the data and work towards unifying it in a way that makes it accessible to everyone in a possibly standard format.

This is a common challenge in multidisciplinary research centres, where tailored solutions are often required.

Do you see other challenges in managing polar science data?

Managing polar data presents additional challenges due to the multidisciplinarity involved, especially at iC3. Each discipline has specific metadata requirements, making it a complex task to unify everything. Another challenge is the involvement of multiple institutions, which hampers the implementation of standardized recommendations.

The data inventory we are compiling aims to address these complexities by providing a clear picture of what we have and what we need to manage.

How else you contribute to iC3's work?

I’ve been involved in creating a report series for iC3, which includes annual reports and other documents like the data plan. These reports are important as they leave a trace of what we are achieving at iC3 and who is involved.

We then archive them in a web journal that assigns DOIs, ensuring they are accessible and citable in the future. This initiative is part of the centre’s legacy and also provides young researchers with opportunities to contribute to reports, adding valuable lines to their CVs.

What technologies or methodologies are you excited about as data manager?

Looking ahead, I see the need for robust and sustainable data storage solutions. Testing different options is crucial, especially as costs for such services are no longer covered by institutions.

My goal is to find solutions that can last beyond the centre’s term, ensuring the legacy we build is preserved.

If you had an unlimited budget, what would you do to improve data management?

One of my big concerns is ensuring that the solutions we establish can last beyond the centre’s term, possibly forever. Money is a key factor here because if there’s no financial support after the centre ends, the systems we’ve put in place might be subject to decommissioning.

My focus would be on finding lightweight, sustainable solutions that can continue to function even with limited resources.

How would you define success in data management for iC3?

Success in data management for me would mean establishing a unified platform or system for sharing and accessing data. While this is a challenging goal, it’s important to aim high.

What do you enjoy most about being a data manager?

I enjoy providing support and assistance to researchers, helping them make informed decisions based on the data and tools we manage. It’s fulfilling to play a role in enabling others to achieve their goals.

What does an ideal day off look like for you?

An ideal day off for me involves going outside walking or running then relax by reading a book or enjoying good food and drinks.

Could you share a book or movie that has influenced you?

One of my favourite movies is Arrival directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is sci-fi and a deeply human story at the same time. It blends themes of science, communication, time, human connection accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack. I also enjoyed the book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (followed by Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow), which offers a fascinating perspective on humankind and its evolution.

Fabio Sarti is the iC3 data manager, working at UiT - The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. He is particularly interested in sustainable data storage solutions. To find out more about his work, please contact him by email.