An FDO-Based Exchange Interface for Research Data

A Conceptual Design of an FDO Based API

Abstract

Data exchange is a key activity that Research Data Centers (RDCs) provide. To do so, current interfaces typically cater to community-specific needs, leading to a fragmented approach when dealing with inter-RDC exchange scenarios. The interface we propose aims to facilitate data exchange and scientific workflows across RDCs in the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) initiative. We balance generic and domain-specific requirements by employing two key principles - a RESTful architecture style and the FAIR Digital Object (FDO) model - by mapping of the resources of the API to the layers of an FDO. The interface is designed to use essential HTTP methods to handle FDO instances, which not only includes the datasets, but also the HTTP requests and responses themselves. Additionally, our approach facilitates scenarios such as data enrichment: datasets that need to be combined or extended with other resources can be still represented as FDOs. Early deployments with two partners indicate that transitioning to an FDO-based approach presents certain challenges, but also a significant potential for improved data exchange and collaboration. In going forward, we aim to evaluate our approach within the FDO community, adapting to evolving standards while maintaining a minimally viable model for practical exploration. Ultimately, our interface aspires to streamline data-related services, promoting a cohesive ecosystem for research data management.