Sustainable Data Democratization: A Multifaceted Investment for an Equitable Future

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of strategic investments in financial, human, and technological resources to promote sustainable data democratization, aiming to foster an inclusive and collaborative scientific research environment.

Contribution

It advocates for a multifaceted approach to data democratization, highlighting barriers and proposing strategic investments to enhance access, collaboration, and workforce development in science.

Findings

Identifies barriers like limited access and workforce shortages.

Recommends investments in resources for sustainable democratization.

Highlights the role of data in scientific discovery and AI.

Abstract

The urgent need for data democratization in scientific research was the focal point of a panel discussion at SC23 in Denver, Colorado, from November 12 to 17, 2023. This article summarizes the outcomes of that discussion and subsequent conversations. We advocate for strategic investments in financial, human, and technological resources for sustainable data democratization. Emphasizing that data is central to scientific discovery and AI deployment, we highlight barriers such as limited access, inadequate financial incentives for cross-domain collaboration, and a shortage of workforce development initiatives. Our recommendations aim to guide decision-makers in fostering an inclusive research community, breaking down research silos, and developing a skilled workforce to advance scientific discovery.