FAIR data and other ongoing research data development have raised several key issues of relevance to CoreTrustSeal. We are actively engaging with the FAIRsFAIR project, FAIR-IMPACT project and a range of other FAIR-related projects and working groups. CoreTrustSeal-certified Trustworthy Data Repositories are vital components in enabling the realization of the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) Data Principles, both ensuring and enhancing the ‘FAIRness’ of data over the long term.

The mission for CoreTrustSeal endorsed by the Research Data Alliance and the wider community is to provide a single sustainable ‘core’ route for repository data service requirements and certification. The Board exists to manage and maintain that core route over time, and in response to community needs. As the FAIR Principles are clarified through indicators and evaluated through (ideally automated) tests against digital objects, CoreTrustSeal will continue to integrate ‘core’ best practices into the Requirements. We also recognise there may be more explicit FAIR requirements that may be elaborated around the foundation of the CoreTrustSeal. The CoreTrustSeal+FAIR work may be a case where we can integrate a FAIR-enabling assessment into the CoreTrustSeal process.

The CoreTrustSeal Board will continue to follow and engage in the work carried out by the FAIRsFAIR project, FAIR-IMPACT project and other FAIR-related initiatives around the world to ensure that CoreTrustSeal certification continues to address community needs for core-level certification.

CoreTrustSeal Standards and Certification Board (27 October 2020)