Setting natural science data free: scoping a UK collections approach

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We aim to liberate the analytic and predictive powers of centuries of natural science data, held in the UK's exceptional collections of some 150m objects, so that UK and global policy and investment decisions are based on the best possible evidence for sustainable success. To scope this critical work, an investment of £130,000 will pay for [two dedicated posts and associated travel and equipment], to work with, support and train collections across the UK in developing:- A fuller understanding and dashboard of the UK's natural science collections holdings, and of digital capability across UK collections-holding institutions;- A strong UK network and vision, shaping blueprints for a distributed centre of excellence and collections data portal;- Approaches to building capability in digitisation and data mobilisation, developing training assets of lasting value for all types of collections and if possible applying training to one or more digitisation pilots releasing FAIR open data.These priorities have been informed by discussion with 15 stakeholders representing collections-holding institutions and networks from across the nations and regions of the UK.