Geoscientific research yields diverse outputs, including samples, data publications, research code/software and articles. The fragmentation of this knowledge, where different types of research outputs are stored and published in isolated systems, poses a challenge to scientific progress, hindering comprehensive data analysis and collaboration. Additionally, researchers must comply with various data laws, such as the Geological Data Act of 2020, and adhere to Open Science and FAIR principles. The linking of contextually connected research outputs via persistent identifiers (PID) like DOI, ORCID, ROR or IGSN is vital. An interconnected research infrastructure, such as closely collaborating repositories, enhances the value of research outputs and facilitates the overcoming of these challenges.
The Specialised Information Service for Geosciences (FID GEO), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is an example of such an integrated approach. FID GEO facilitates the dissemination of various research results and offers geoscientific communities access to the repositories GFZ Data Services for data and software, and GEO-LEOe-docs for the publication of texts and geological maps.
Moreover, FID GEO provides consulting and training services to assist researchers in effectively managing and linking their research results. These services encompass conference presentations, workshops, and support for the digitisation and online publication of older works.
FID GEO encourages its community to publish and describe all their research outputs. By integrating data and text repositories, FID GEO streamlines research workflows, enhances the dissemination of scientific contributions, and supports compliance with necessary principles.