Charting a Collective Course for Data Repositories at the World Data System

The World Data System (WDS), an affiliate member of the International Science Council, serves a membership of trusted data repositories and related organizations. Governed by a Scientific Committee, the WDS consists of an International Program Office (WDS-IPO) based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA, and an International Technology Office (WDS-ITO) based in Victoria, BC, Canada. The WDS mission is to enhance the capabilities, impact, and sustainability of our member data repositories and data services.

In this presentation, we report on progress for the 2022-2024 Action Plan of the World Data System, which has four objectives: 1) Provide services and support to existing and new members, 2) Develop value narratives for WDS members, 3) Provide global leadership and agenda setting, 4) Enhance access, quality and accessibility of data worldwide. Featured activities pertain to important topics like open data for open science, artificial intelligence, data repository attributes, data commons, Indigenous data governance, more inclusive regional and disciplinary scope, and more. We also take a preliminary look at future plans and rationale for the uncharted future of data, as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond.