UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) Programme

Abstract

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme aims to create a coherent national digital research infrastructure that includes data infrastructure, compute, software, tools, networks, and skilled people. Its vision is a coherent state-of-the-art national digital research infrastructure that will seamlessly connect researchers, policymakers and innovators to the computers, data, tools, techniques and skills that underpin the most ambitious and creative research.  

The Programme includes strategic initiatives like the "Pilot Projects for Data Sharing". This includes initiatives like the "Environmental Data Service pilot" which aims to address challenges related to data findability, traceability, accessibility, and interoperability, thereby improving data sharing across disciplines.

Key Components of the UKRI DRI Programme:

- Large-Scale Compute Facilities: The programme provides high-throughput, high-performance, and cloud computing resources, enabling researchers to process extensive datasets and perform complex analyses.

- Data Storage and Management: It offers robust data storage solutions, including repositories and stewardship services, ensuring that research data is securely stored and easily retrievable.

- Software and Code Libraries: The initiative supports the development and maintenance of shared software tools and code libraries, fostering a collaborative environment for researchers.

- Access Mechanisms: By implementing efficient networks and user authentication systems, the programme ensures seamless and secure access to digital research resources.

- Skilled Personnel: The programme emphasizes the importance of skilled professionals who develop, maintain, and utilize these digital resources, recognizing that human expertise is crucial for the effective functioning of research infrastructure.

Overview

Country	United Kingdom
Start date	2021
Annual Budget	n/a
Responsible organisation(s)	Funding institution
Target group(s)	Researchers, academic institutions, and the broader scientific community in the UK
Policy instrument type	Strategic Digtial Research Infrastructure Programme

Background

The programme considers national developments and international infrastructures, promoting the sharing of best practices and connecting infrastructures. Continued support for open scientific content and data repositories, such as Europe PMC, is a key component. The Programme officially commenced in 2020. It was launched as part of UKRI’s broader strategy to strengthen the UK’s research and innovation capabilities through enhanced digital infrastructure.

Objective(s)

To facilitate access to research data, support open science, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research data management.

Public access URL

https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/creating-world-class-research-and-innovation-infrastructure/digital-research-infrastructure/

All tags

• Technical Standards & Practices
• United Kingdom
• 2021
• Funding institution
• Higher education institutes
• Established researchers
• Junior researchers
• Private R&D
• Public research institutes
• Dedicated support to research and technical infrastructures
• Accessibility

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