Impactful Datasets in Earth, Space, and Environmental Sciences: Highlighting the Data That Transform Research

Abstract: The American Geophysical Union (AGU) announces the new living collection “Impactful Datasets in Earth, Space, and Environmental Sciences” which recognizes the creation and curation of datasets enabling research, analysis, and decision making beyond what is captured by traditional academic impact metrics. The collection highlights datasets through the dimensions of People, Planet, and Prosperity, and includes a curated set of nominated datasets and accompanying special collection of data papers. Developed with the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) community, the nomination and review process initially invites contributors from across research, operations, and public service, to nominate datasets important to their work, and then submit a data paper that expands upon the nomination text for inclusion in the special collection. This commentary highlights the rationale for the living collection, and the process of nomination. The collection serves as a living reference that strengthens data culture, supports reproducible geoscience, and provides enduring access to critical information for science and society.

Plain Language Summary: The American Geophysical Union is launching a new living collection called “Impactful Datasets in Earth, Space, and Environmental Sciences.” The goal is to celebrate datasets that have had a significant impact on science and society by supporting research, analysis, and informed decisions. Many important datasets do not receive recognition through traditional academic metrics, so this collection provides a way to highlight their contributions. This commentary describes the purpose of the collection and explains how to nominate a dataset.