Data Preservation and Long Term Analysis in High Energy Physics

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance and challenges of preserving high energy physics data for long-term analysis, emphasizing the need for planning and guidelines to ensure data remains accessible and useful after experiments conclude.

Contribution

It provides an overview of ongoing efforts and guidelines for effective data preservation in high energy physics, based on workshops and collaborative study groups.

Findings

Identification of key areas for data preservation

Recognition of challenges without proper planning

Development of guidelines for future efforts

Abstract

High energy physics data is a long term investment and contains the potential for physics results beyond the lifetime of a collaboration. Many existing experiments are concluding their physics programs, and looking at ways to preserve their data heritage. Preservation of high-energy physics data and data analysis structures is a challenge, and past experience has shown it can be difficult if adequate planning and resources are not provided. A study group has been formed to provide guidelines for such data preservation efforts in the future. Key areas to be investigated were identified at a workshop at DESY in January 2009, to be followed by a workshop at SLAC in May 2009. More information can be found at http://dphep.org