OAK RIDGE, Tenn., June 10, 2020 - Giri Prakash, data informatics scientist and director of the Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement, or ARM, Data Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has accepted an invitation from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to serve a four-year term on the U.S. National Committee for CODATA, or USNC/CODATA.
CODATA, the International Science Council's Committee on Data, is an interdisciplinary body that works to improve the quality and accessibility of data in science and technology. As the U.S. member of CODATA, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine connects with the international committee through the USNC/CODATA.
"This is an opportunity for ORNL, ARM and DOE to be represented on a global stage, as we advance our leadership in data informatics and FAIR principles," Prakash said. "I look forward to working with the world's leading data scientists to gain and share in-depth knowledge of best practices and guidelines."
In the data science field, FAIR refers to guiding principles for data management that allow computational systems to find, access, interoperate and reuse data with minimal human intervention.
"Giri's daily work with ARM exemplifies FAIR principles and the pursuit of science for public good," said Stan Wullschleger, acting associate laboratory director for the Energy and Environmental Sciences Directorate. "This invitation affirms what we at ORNL already know; Giri is a leader in organizing and managing complex data systems to benefit the international scientific community."
ARM, a DOE Office of Science user facility that involves nine national laboratories, including ORNL, is focused on improving the understanding of climate processes and climate models. ARM's observatories around the world collect a wealth of atmospheric measurements and provides extensive data to researchers studying the Earth's atmosphere. ARM also develops computing resources and analytical tools to facilitate the application of ARM measurements to pressing science issues.
As a member of USNC, Prakash will contribute to planning and implementing U.S. participation in CODATA's programs. The committee organizes activities considering the needs of the U.S. scientific and technological user community and liaises between the U.S. and international data science communities.
The 11-member USNC/CODATA comprises a range of expertise in science and technology representing U.S. leaders in private industry, higher education, research institutions and philanthropic organizations.
As a special responsibility on the USNC, Prakash will represent the U.S. at the CODATA General Assembly on June 25.
