In the era of big data and informatics, there is growing awareness among scientists and scientific data managers of the need for permanent, globally unique identifiers for both physical specimens and digital data, leading to the development of new systems for minting, tracking, resolving, and querying identifiers. However, existing identifier systems have not yet been put to the test with the types of very large, multidisciplinary datasets that loom on the horizon, and developing an identifier infrastructure for really big data (pre- and post-publication) is crucial next step.

During the three day PHOIBOS2 workshop at the world-renowned Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona, identifier practitioners and data generators will come together to summarize the current state of the field, identify and elucidate the technical issues, and develop solutions. PHOIBOS2 will incorporate elements of a hackathon, but outputs may also include non-technical products like a draft proposal, a survey, or educational materials. The agenda for the meeting is modeled after the successful MIT Hacking Medicine, in which groups of participants are asked to identify a problem and articulate what a system that solved the problem would look like, including technologies, support material, and a business model. We aim to develop a vision of an identifier infrastructure that spans the entire data lifecycle in the context of very large, complex, multi-disciplinary, research-oriented datasets.

If you are a scientist, or user or developer of identifier systems, and would like to take part in this innovative experience, please complete the online application available here by November 30, 2015.  The meeting is open to all, with room and board covered for up to 30 participants, and limited funding available to support travel costs, particularly for early career or under-represented participants. Funding requests will be considered in early December, after all applications are received.