From Data Silos to FAIR Research: Interoperability and Integration in European CRIS

Abstract:  Current Research Information Systems (CRIS) play a pivotal role in the management, storage, and dissemination of research data, serving as key components within both national and international research infrastructures. Scientific and academic libraries, with their established expertise in resource description, access facilitation, and the long-term stewardship of digital assets, are instrumental in the implementation and operation of CRIS systems. This article examines the integration of the FAIR principles—Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability—within CRIS systems, emphasizing their contribution to supporting Open Science. Through case studies from both Slovakia and Germany, we investigate the implementation of FAIR principles in the national SK CRIS and the German CRIS systems. The article also addresses the critical importance of data source integration, the adoption of Persistent Identifiers (PIDs), and the implementation of robust data management practices as essential elements for advancing Open Science and ensuring the effective application of FAIR principles at the national level. This analysis underscores the crucial role of libraries and CRIS systems in enhancing the accessibility and interoperability of research data, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of scientific outputs.