Workshop to Investigate an Integrated Data Architecture for Paleogenomics, Micropaleontology, and Macropaleontology; May, 2020; Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

Our understanding of the past is being revolutionized by the study of ancient DNA recovered from fossils and sediments. Because many species do not preserve well in the fossil record, our knowledge is limited about the past locations of species. Ancient DNA can allow the detection of many species that lived in the past. Therefore, understanding how species migrate or otherwise survive past environmental changes can occur. Ancient DNA can also allow the detection of past losses of genetic diversity, due to species extinctions. However, as a data type, ancient DNA falls in a gap between databases designed to store genetic data and other kinds of databases designed to store fossil data. Because of this gap, researchers cannot easily assemble ancient DNA data to study biodiversity changes at large spatial and temporal scales. This project will support a workshop of leading researchers in ancient DNA, biodiversity databases, and paleontological databases, to build new systems for archiving and sharing ancient DNA data. The workshop will allow more open access to ancient DNA data by both researchers and educators. This access will enable more powerful integrative research approaches and authentic teaching experiences. Specific workshop goals include: 1) review the current state of the art with respect to ancient DNA data; 2) review the current capabilities of existing cyberinfrastructures in genomics and paleoecology; 3) identify gaps and misalignments among existing resources; 4) establish priorities and initial standards for data and metadata reporting in community resources; and 5) envision the establishment of an informatics infrastructure for sedimentary ancient DNA. The people attending this workshop will maximize interdisciplinary exchange of ideas. The workshop will include early career researchers from groups traditionally underrepresented in science and technology. Ultimately, the workshop will produce guidance and resources for researchers working with ancient DNA. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.