Maintaining consistent metadata across multiple platforms is a persistent challenge for the research community.
On 22 July 2025, we hosted a collaborative online workshop to explore how we might design a sustainable, study-led metadata system that supports dynamic sharing across existing discovery platforms.
The event brought together over 30 participants from across the UK’s data infrastructure landscape, reflecting strong interest in improving the discoverability, interoperability, and long-term sustainability of longitudinal population studies.
“The idea behind PRUK has always been to convene a community forum to help collectively identify and address community issues. I’m pleased that this metadata workshop is helping address the shared challenges identified in our initial consultation events. This event is the first of many, with others coming soon.”
Andy Boyd our co-Infrastructure chair
Key themes and insights
Attendees were divided across four breakout rooms to explore and prioritise individual metadata fields for inclusion in the proposed PRUK metadata profile tool.
Each breakout group was able to broadly agree that the metadata fields presented for discussion should all be included on a profile, however certain information was prioritised as core vs. additional (good to have).
The workshop highlighted the importance of:
- Clear access information and wave-specific data details
- Aligning with existing metadata standards for interoperability
- Designing for both fixed and variable metadata
- Exploring AI-powered tools to enhance data discovery
“Surfacing accurate and comprehensive metadata about LPS is key to researchers being able to discover and understand the breadth of data held within the UK LLC Trusted Research Environment (TRE) and other research infrastructures. We are delighted that PRUK is coordinating this community-led initiative to design a sustainable study metadata portal. This will lead to efficiency gains and improved interoperability.”
Katharine Evans, senior data manager at Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC)
Next steps
The insights gathered from this event will inform PRUK’s forthcoming investment in the development of a sustainable, user-focused metadata infrastructure.
We will soon be launching a call for proposals to fund the creation of a searchable register and information hub.
The call is expected to open in October, and we will be hosting a webinar to provide further details and answer questions from prospective applicants.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg, but insights from this workshop will play a key role in shaping our upcoming funding call for a searchable register.”
Chris Orton, our technical lead
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