Tool assemblies

What are tool assemblies?

Researchers work with a wide range of applications, software, and computational workflows throughout their research journey and data life cycle. The specific tools they use vary greatly depending on the research domain and data type.

To ensure that data can be effectively used and reused, these tools must be:

• easy to find;

• technically and functionally interoperable;

• semantically interoperable (meaning data can meaningfully flow between tools).

Tool assemblies are integrated sets of tools, bundled with supporting resources like manuals, scripts, configuration files, and training materials. They help researchers smoothly navigate all phases of the research journey and data life cycle.

These integrated sets will ultimately be made accessible through the National Health Data Portal, giving users a clear and central entry point to find the right resources.

Open

The idea is that tools (pink) and supporting elements (grey) work together as a seamless package that researchers can easily combine for their tasks

What are we currently doing?

We have started with:

• inventorying which tools, services, and training materials are already used, per domain and data type;

• determining what researchers need most (prioritisation);

• identifying what is needed to achieve technical, functional, and semantic interoperability, including legal and ethical (ELSI) aspects;

• engaging in discussions with domain nodes, working groups, and national partners (such as SURF and NLeSC);

• creating initial visualisations that map available tools and highlight gaps and quick wins.

What is the timeline?

Q1 & Q2 2025

• Define the research journey and data life cycle

• Conduct domain-specific inventories

• Develop visual overviews and identify "quick wins"

Q3 & Q4 2025

• Prioritise which tool assembly will be developed first

• Integrate and make it visible in the National Health Data Portal (for example, using clickable flowcharts or a tool library)

• Conduct user testing with panels: gather user requirements, test functionalities, and improve the user experience

Team

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