Towards Responsible Plant Data Linkage: Data Challenges for Agricultural Research and Development

This open-access book provides an overview of challenges and opportunities for responsible data linkage in plant science, with a focus on ensuring global food security. It includes case studies, technical challenges, governance challenges, and issues raised by new data production and linkage methods. The book brings together experts from various fields to address these issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 317 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive open-access book offers a thorough examination of the current challenges and opportunities associated with responsible data linkage in the realm of plant science. It provides a cutting-edge assessment of the necessary steps to ensure the ethical sharing and utilization of plant data for the benefit of achieving global food security, which is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The volume specifically focuses on the contemporary contours of these challenges by engaging in sustained dialogue with ongoing and historical initiatives, as well as exploring best practices and prospective future directions for ensuring responsible plant data linkage.

The book is organized into four distinct sections, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of plant data use and linkage. The first section presents case studies that illustrate the practical applications of plant data in various research projects, breeding programs, and historical studies. These case studies provide valuable insights into the technical challenges, governance considerations, and ethical implications of data linkage in different contexts.

The second section delves into the technical challenges involved in developing key tools, standards, and infrastructures for data linkage. It discusses the need for robust data management systems, standardized data formats, and effective data sharing platforms to facilitate seamless integration and analysis of plant data.

The third section examines the governance challenges associated with data linkage, particularly in the context of socioeconomic and environmental research and data collection. It explores the ethical considerations, rights, and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in data sharing and utilization, as well as the need for transparent and accountable data management practices.

The final section addresses the issues raised by new data production and linkage methods that aim to include the diverse perspectives and stakeholders of agriculture. It discusses the importance of engaging with various communities, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and civil society, to ensure that plant data are used in a way that benefits society as a whole.

This book brings together a diverse group of leading experts from various fields, including data science, plant science, agricultural research, science policy, data ethics, and the philosophy, history, and social studies of plant science. Their collective expertise and insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with responsible data linkage in plant science.

By providing a comprehensive overview of existing challenges and opportunities, as well as a forward-thinking assessment of the necessary steps, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of plant science. It will be particularly useful for those involved in data curation, data governance, and the ethical use and dissemination of plant data for the benefit of global food security and other sustainable development goals.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031132780
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023