Solving problems of research information heterogeneity during integration – using the European CERIF and German RCD standards as examples

Abstract

Integrating data from a variety of heterogeneous internal and external data sources (e.g. CERIF and RCD data models with different modeling languages) in a federated database system such as “Research Information Management System (RIMS)” is becoming more challenging for (inter-)national universities and research institutions. Data quality is an important factor for successful integration and interpretation of research information and interoperability of various independent information systems. Before the data is loaded into RIMS, they should be reviewed during data integration process to resolve conflicts between the different data sources and clean the data quality issues. Poor data quality leads to distortion in data presentation, and thus to erroneous basis for decisions. It is ultimately a cost for scientific institutions and it starts with integrating research information into the RIMS. Therefore, the investment in the topic of information integration makes sense insofar, the achievement of a high data quality is of primary importance. This paper presents methods, processes and techniques of information integration in the context of research information management systems. In order to ensure the quality of research information in an institutions data sources during its integration into the RIMS. Numerous attempts have already been done by universities and research institutions to create techniques and solutions for this need.