Abstract
As informatics becomes embedded in the scientific method, workload shifts from the user to the provider of data and information services and systems. Yet there is little incentive for research scientists to devote time to data management and system development. Our reward system can be adjusted to encourage responsible data management and open access practices, as well as motivate people to develop systems and services for the common good. At the same time, the status and professional infrastructure for those engaged in informatics needs to match traditional scientific and technical disciplines and create an attractive, competitive career path. Five readily achievable steps can be taken to redress these imbalances.
Highlights
As we move further into the information era, informatics is becoming an increasingly important component of the scientific method (Baker et al, 2008; Baker & Barton, 2009, this issue)
As informatics becomes embedded in the scientific method, workload shifts from the user to the provider of data and information services and systems
The status and professional infrastructure for those engaged in informatics needs to match traditional scientific and technical disciplines and create an attractive, competitive career path
Summary
As we move further into the information era, informatics is becoming an increasingly important component of the scientific method (Baker et al, 2008; Baker & Barton, 2009, this issue). We use the term informatics to refer to the science and engineering of the interface between users who need access to data, information, and services (e.g., research scientists, decision makers, teachers, the public) and computing and communications (cyber) infrastructures that provide access to data sources. Through open access to data, information, and services, abundant new opportunities exist for delivering scientific results more efficiently, for broadening the scope, scale, and timeliness of research, and for communicating internally and externally. Research scientists and others can achieve better results, faster, yet do less routine work. These benefits depend on the efforts of those who serve and preserve data and provide services. Requires that time and talent are devoted to informatics in all its aspects, and scientists and others need motivation to adopt responsible data management practices
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