The Evolution of Raw Data Archiving in Crystallography

What is it about?

The article discusses the efforts of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) to facilitate discussions and plans related to raw data archiving and reuse in the field of crystallography, diffraction, and scattering. The IUCr has launched the IUCrData journal's Raw Data Letters, which includes diffraction patterns that have not been fully interpreted. The article also highlights the importance of raw data in training and education, software development, safeguarding against fraud, and artificial intelligence. The discussion surrounding what to store in the context of serial crystallography becomes crucial as the scientific landscape evolves.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it highlights the significance of raw data archiving and its potential benefits for the scientific community. Raw data serves as the ground truth, provides hidden treasures for further analysis, and serves as a fundamental tool for training and education in the field. It also plays a crucial role in safeguarding against fraud and can push the boundaries of what current analytical tools can reveal. Key Takeaways: 1. Raw data archiving is crucial for ground truth reproducibility in published studies. 2. Raw data can unlock hidden treasures and serve as a tool for training and education in the field. 3. Raw data archiving is important for safeguarding against fraud and can push the boundaries of what current analytical tools can reveal. 4. The IUCr has launched the Raw Data Letters section in the IUCrData journal, which includes diffraction patterns that have not been fully interpreted, if at all. 5. The recent workshop on raw data reuse discussed the successes and ongoing challenges of raw data reuse in the scientific community.