REPORT Pilot integration of Web Services based simple object queries

European e-Infrastructure projects are increasingly turning to Semantic Web technologies to address data integration challenges. This approach is proving to be a solution to some of the emerging challenges in the life sciences. The BioMedBridges semantic web pilot spans deliverables 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8; its goal is to test the suitability of a semantic web approach to the task of integrating research data and to report on our experience of running an RDF-based platform integrating multiple data resources.

In order to leverage experience where it exists and minimise the risks inherent in novel technology projects, a three-stage delivery was chosen for the pilot. These stages are reported on in separate deliverables.

By following this schedule and aligning partner-specific roadmaps to the blueprint delivered in Phase I (D4.4), the pilot projects can be developed synchronously and knowledge shared efficiently (Phases 2-3: D4.6-4.8). This enables infrastructures to collaborate effectively and address common issues. To support this effort, a knowledge-exchange workshop ran on the 29-30 April 2014 at TMF, Berlin, Germany. In December 2013 and December 2014, at SWAT4LS and May 2015 at an industry workshop, we delivered tutorials during which we demonstrated the queries and analyses the RDF platform makes possible. We provided a training course to Computer Scientists in Manchester on the practicalities of working with, and running the RDF platform and summarised our technological approach and technology experience. All of the SemWeb pilot work is informed by the work of WP3 on choice and use of ontologies as well as provision and re-use of identifiers and reflects the application of standards in the use case work package.

However, RDF is not a one-size-fits-all technology; and our experience is that certain kinds of data are better suited to different distribution and integration mechanisms. D4.6 therefore includes some pilots that are not directly related to RDF. Here we summarize our processes, products, and lessons learned and identify future work for D4.8.