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FAIR Metroline - a short history

2016–2023

Development of FAIRification workflows such as FAIR Plus and De Novo, providing more concrete approaches for implementing the FAIR principles.

Early 2023

Comparison of existing FAIRification workflows to identify common FAIRification steps and support efficient implementation at scale, published in Critical steps towards large-scale implementation of the FAIR data principles by Dos Santos Vieira et al. This work resulted in the now well-known FAIR Metroline visual.

FAIR Metroline
The FAIR Metroline. FAIRification steps are represented horizontally, while analysed workflows are shown vertically. Dots indicate whether a given step is included in a specific workflow.

Mid 2023

In response to stakeholder requests to make FAIR accessible to a broad audience, Health-RI decides to translate the FAIR Metroline into practical guidance for researchers, data professionals, clinicians, trainers, policymakers and IT staff. This work becomes part of Health-RI’s roadmap for the phased implementation of FAIR data practices across the Dutch health and life sciences sector.

2024

Development of the FAIR Metroline guidance pages begins. Experts from the Health-RI hub and nodes co-develop content. Initial development takes place in the Health-RI co-working Confluence environment.

Early 2025

Following stakeholder requests for improved accessibility and usability, FAIR Metroline website development begins. The website is developed on GitHub using the ELIXIR Toolkit theme. In parallel, the complementary “Tool Assemblies” project is initiated, focusing on guidance on tools and their integration into workflows. Alignment with the TDCC-LSH Interoperability project and relevant international initiatives such as the RDA MaLDReTH working group and the ELIXIR Interoperability platform is established.

End 2025

Initial versions of most FAIR Metroline guidance pages are completed. The Tool Assemblies project is integrated with FAIR Metroline, enabling direct references to relevant tools and creating a more cohesive and practical user experience.

2026

Continued improvement of the FAIR Metroline website, with a focus on usability. Development of use cases to provide practical, scenario-based guidance. User panels are established to gather structured feedback on user experience and interface improvements. Alignment and mapping with the ELIXIR FAIRification Framework has been done.