DIGILAB.be deliverable D.1.1.1: Inventory of existing datasets in Belgian heritage science research groups

Heritage science is a multidisciplinary field that connects the natural sciences and the humanities to study cultural heritage objects. Although the sector in Belgium possesses advanced analytical capabilities, research data is currently scattered across different institutions and often stored in local silos. This fragmentation makes scientific data difficult to find and reuse according to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. The DIGILAB.be project aims to address these challenges by establishing a federated network of repositories. Under this model, partner institutions maintain control over their own data while the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) provides a central search interface through its BALaT platform.

This deliverable, D.1.1.1, provides a high-level inventory of the data management habits and commitments of the project’s main research groups, including the Royal Museums of Art and History (KMKG-MRAH) and the Universities of Antwerp, Liège, and Ghent. Consultations reveal that while these groups have strong publication records, they typically lack established practices for sharing primary research data. Technical constraints, such as dataset size limit on repositories, often prevent the publication of large analytical datasets. To improve findability, partners have committed to using open platforms like Zenodo or institutional data repositories. The project also explores the integration of external datasets, such as those in the KU Leuven Research Data Repository (RDR).

In conclusion, the inventory highlights that a federated network is a pragmatic way to help the Belgian heritage science community move toward an open science environment. By linking scientific findings with physical heritage objects through the BALaT+ interface, DIGILAB.be will ensure that research results remain visible and accessible for future conservation and research.