LifeBlock is the advanced blockchain-based tool developed by LifeWatch ERIC, designed to manage and integrate biodiversity and ecosystem data. LifeBlock ensures the integrity and provenance of data through its blockchain infrastructure, making it an ideal platform for the meticulous data requirements of environmental research.
Multi metadata standard compatibility
LifeBlock leverages a custom metadata schema that aligns with multiple standards such as INSPIRE, DarwinCore, EML, and Dublin Core, ensuring compatibility and interoperability with various datasets. By federating data from significant research infrastructures like GBIF, LTER, Zenodo, DiSSCo, and Rediam, along with its proprietary sensor network data, LifeBlock provides a comprehensive and integrated data repository. This federated approach enhances the breadth and depth of data available, facilitating more accurate and holistic environmental and biodiversity analyses.
Trustworthy and verifiable data
A key component of LifeBlock is its robust Data Management Plan (DMP). The DMP outlines the protocols for data collection, storage, and sharing, ensuring that all data adhere to FAIR principles—Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability. The plan includes provisions for data traceability and security, leveraging blockchain technology to maintain an immutable record of data transactions and modifications.
Data discoverability and usability
LifeBlock’s semantic search supports both keyword and structured searches, allowing users to efficiently retrieve and analyse relevant data. By transforming metadata into a common format and RDF, LifeBlock ensures that all integrated data is readily accessible and semantically rich, providing valuable insights for researchers.
Data integrity, interoperability and search
LifeBlock serves as a crucial data management platform offering unparalleled data integrity, interoperability, and advanced search functionalities, supported by a comprehensive Data Management Plan that ensures adherence to FAIR principles and robust data traceability.
FAQ
Version: beta
Size: Federated RIs (GBIF, LTER, Zenodo, Rediam, DiSSCo) plus 15,000 proprietary datasets
File format: Custom metadata structure based on NFT translation. This format leverages Non-Fungible Token (NFT) principles to create a unique and immutable representation of metadata. Each dataset is tokenised, ensuring a secure, verifiable, and tamper-proof record that adheres to FAIR principles, enhancing interoperability and reusability.
Metadata standard: Custom metadata schema designed for compatibility with existing standards such as INSPIRE, DarwinCore, EML (Ecological Metadata Language), and Dublin Core. This ensures interoperability and ease of integration with various data repositories and research infrastructures.
Link to a publication: No
DOI of the linked publication: N/A
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