The Federal Science DataHub: Powering data collaboration for federal science projects

Canadian federal scientists and researchers work on diverse topics to advance knowledge and address research priorities for Canadians. To succeed, they need seamless solutions for data storage, sharing and collaboration. Unfortunately, off-the-shelf tools often fail to support the unique demands of managing large, complex research data securely and efficiently.

To address this, Shared Services Canada (SSC) is exploring tailored and innovative enterprise IT solutions for federal science that prioritize security, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

One such solution is the Federal Science DataHub (FSDH), a centralized platform for scientific data. This standardized tool is designed to meet the needs of the federal science community, offering: 

• dynamic sharing and collaboration to break down silos across the Government of Canada (GC)
• advanced computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence to simplify tasks and address complex challenges
• customized, scalable cloud storage for optimal cost efficiency

How scientists are using the FSDH

Over 650 people across 24 departments, including teams from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), have experimented with the FSDH to learn how the platform can meet their data needs. Scientists have used the FSDH for machine learning and artificial intelligence; cross-departmental collaboration; classification and identification; report development and publication; mapping and more.

One team at ECCC is responsible for the Integrated Chemical Mixtures Project (ICMP). They look at real-world exposure to and effects from chemical mixtures in the environment. This includes studying the environmental impacts of substances found in plants, animals, water, sediment and soil. 

Working with the FSDH’s platform and advisory services, the ECCC team has transformed large volumes of disparate data into an interactive Power BI dashboard. This dashboard visually displays data, making analysis and understanding easier. It’s easy to modify, simplifying regular updates, and it can be accessed by federal researchers involved in the ICMP from anywhere in Canada.

By using the FSDH, processes that were once manual and difficult to replicate have been transformed. These revised processes also enable the capture of more data through open data sets. Anyone in the workspace can upload and refresh content. This means that data is easier to keep up to date, can be drawn from more sources and further data types can be displayed on the dashboard.

“The Federal Science DataHub has helped to improve the Integrated Chemical Mixtures Project. We are excited about the potential for streamlining our existing processes and improving the ways we can share and display our research data.”

There are more examples of exciting initiatives enabled by the FSDH:

• Other teams at ECCC are also developing web apps connected with the FSDH, aiming to facilitate their work in the field and enhance accessibility to colleagues
• Health Canada researchers are publishing reports, piloting applications to streamline processes and developing informatics platforms
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada use the platform to share data and collaborate with colleagues across and the country, including with other departments

What’s next

The FSDH team regularly gathers feedback from researchers and scientists using the platform, which is then applied to further improve the platform. A dedicated team of developers consistently improve the FSDH platform and feedback has already resulted in a new, more user-friendly interface. The FSDH’s 3-year innovation roadmap promises to add features and functionality over time based on scientists’ feedback.

How to access the FSDH

If you’re a GC employee interested in using the FSDH, visit our Federal Science DataHub section to learn more about the platform. Please work with your departmental designated users to request an FSDH workspace.