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Jim Todd, Doug Fils, Jay Greenfield, Simon Hodson
Work is now in Google doc at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ilnUJTnArU2bCzODZIQTsvDt0t6l73V0FbGfVX4bVgE/edit?ts=5d9f4473#heading=h.m7ver2ypep5m
First PM Session, Tue 8 Oct
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| Activity | Human Resource Effort |
|---|---|
| Server, repository management, access controls | 1FTE |
| Developing new Pentaho services | 1FTE |
| Managing existing Pentaho Serviceservice | 1FTE |
| Metadata management and QA/QC | 1FTE |
| Training, advocacy and outreach | 2FTE |
| Total | 6FTE |
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Data Access and Sharing Agreements
The INDEPTH network showed the value of sharing data across independent research sites, and this has been expanded by the ALPHA network. Through sharing aggregate data comparisons can be made across sites, and across countries. This allows a host of other aspects to be shared, including the best practice for management of data, and identification of gaps in the data. This project will take that further by introducing best practice for meta data development, and enabling the metadata to be searched across the internet. Findability is the key to scientific success and enabling sites to be found, encourages new partners to partner with in build stronger research.
The individual data from ALPHA and from the HDSS sites does need to be shared with care. While individual ID are removed, and artificial ID used in the ALPHA data specs, care needs to be taken to avoid unintentional identifcation of people and communities. For this reason, data sharing is by request, and for specific research questions only. A stronger data hub with dedicated professionals to manage the data will enable more data to be shared and for quicker agreement with potential partners in research.
Training
African data scientists face a number of constraints to their work. Open source software is needed because funds are not available for bespoke applications. However these open source programs require training to get the most out of them. Sharing of resources and networking of peers enables groups of professionals to tackle more complex problems and to build confidence and skills.
4: Conclusions and Broader lessons
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