Assessment Methods
XeraFAIR uses the FAIRsFAIR assessment methodology to evaluate research data objects against 17 core metrics derived from the FAIR principles.
Scoring Methodology
Each metric is evaluated and scored based on the evidence found in the metadata and data. Scores range from 0 (not met) to the maximum points for each metric. The overall FAIR score is the sum of all earned points divided by the maximum possible points (22 points total). Maturity levels (0-3) indicate the sophistication of implementation.
Findability
5 metrics | Max 7 points
Data and metadata should be easy to find for both humans and machines. Globally unique and persistent identifiers, rich metadata, and searchable registration are key aspects.
Unique Identifier
1 ptFsF-F1-01MD
Metadata and data are assigned a globally unique identifier. A globally unique identifier (IRI, URI, URL, DOI, Handle, ARK) should be associated with only one resource at any time.
Persistent Identifier
1 ptFsF-F1-02MD
Metadata and data are assigned a persistent identifier. Persistent identifiers (DOI, Handle, ARK) are maintained and governed to remain stable and resolvable for the long term.
Descriptive Core Metadata
2 ptsFsF-F2-01M
Metadata includes descriptive core elements (creator, title, data identifier, publisher, publication date, summary and keywords) to support data findability.
Data Identifier in Metadata
1 ptFsF-F3-01M
Metadata includes the identifier of the data it describes. The metadata should explicitly specify the identifier of the data such that users can discover and access the data.
Searchable Metadata
2 ptsFsF-F4-01M
Metadata is offered in such a way that it can be registered or indexed by search engines. Metadata should be encoded in formats like Dublin Core, schema.org, or DCAT for discoverability.
Accessibility
4 metrics | Max 7 points
Once found, users need to know how data can be accessed, possibly including authentication and authorization. Standard protocols ensure accessibility.
Data Access Information
1 ptFsF-A1-01M
Metadata contains access level and access conditions of the data. Access levels include public, embargoed, restricted, or metadata-only access.
Retrievable Data
2 ptsFsF-A1-02MD
Metadata and data are retrievable by their identifier. The identifiers should resolve to a target that actually contains data or metadata.
Standard Protocol
2 ptsFsF-A1.1-01MD
A standardized communication protocol (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.) is used to access metadata and data. Avoid proprietary protocols.
Protocol Authentication
2 ptsFsF-A1.2-01MD
Metadata and data are accessible through a standardized communication protocol which supports authentication (HTTPS, FTPS).
Interoperability
3 metrics | Max 6 points
Data should integrate with other data and work with applications. Use of formal knowledge representation and semantic vocabularies enables machine understanding.
Formal Knowledge Representation
2 ptsFsF-I1-01M
Metadata is represented using a formal knowledge representation language (RDF, RDFS, OWL). This enables machines to process metadata meaningfully.
Semantic Vocabularies
2 ptsFsF-I2-01M
Metadata uses registered semantic resources (ontologies, thesauri, taxonomies). This facilitates enhanced data search and interoperability.
Qualified References
2 ptsFsF-I3-01M
Metadata includes qualified references between the data and its related entities. Links should express relation types using persistent identifiers.
Reusability
5 metrics | Max 6 points
Metadata and data should be well-described so they can be replicated or combined in different settings. Clear licenses, provenance, and community standards are essential.
Data Content Description
2 ptsFsF-R1-01M
Metadata specifies the content of the data including resource type, variables measured, data format and size.
Usage License
1 ptFsF-R1.1-01M
Metadata includes license information under which data can be reused. Standard licenses like Creative Commons are recommended.
Data Provenance
1 ptFsF-R1.2-01M
Metadata includes provenance information about data creation or generation, including sources, creation date, contributors, and versioning.
Community Metadata Standard
1 ptFsF-R1.3-01M
Metadata follows a standard recommended by the target research community (e.g., ISO19115 for geospatial, DarwinCore for biodiversity).
Data File Format
1 ptFsF-R1.3-02D
Data is available in a file format recommended by the target research community. Open, long-term, and scientific formats are preferred.