Collaborative Governance Solutions for NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Data, Information, and Software

Effective data governance requires a collective approach rather than isolated efforts. To achieve this, the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) governance team—part of the Data and Analysis Services Project (DASP)—is implementing a strategy to support the Chief Science Data Officer’s vision for interdisciplinary, interoperable open science. The DASP governance team focuses on several key functions. First, the governance team has developed a framework to create governance and guidance for the data, information, and software used across the SMD community to ensure compliance with agency and government policies. The current governance model employs a rapid-response approach, using focused initiatives to identify high-priority needs and develop practical solutions. Second, the DASP governance team works to streamline operations and reduce friction for scientists and data stewards by utilizing automation and targeted training. Third, the DASP governance team is building a robust community of data repositories to empower open science and foster collaboration between divisions. To enhance these efforts, DASP has launched a centralized online hub designed to strengthen connections between SMD data stewards. This centralized platform allows for governance initiative reviews, community updates and sharing of relevant resources. This presentation will share the high-level SMD governance process, the development of the centralized governance community platform, and lessons learned from the first initiatives developed via the governance process.