Putting the re- in research

In the natural sciences, the "re-" in research is often the difference between a single-use data point and a lasting scientific legacy. While traditional biology once relied on physical archives, isolated field notes, and static papers, the modern era demands a transition to digital ecosystems where data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR). This session, hosted by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, explores how we ensure a long-lasting legacy for biological research and datasets. We will move beyond the theory of archiving to the practical implementation of FAIR Principles. By implementing the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), we ensure that biological observations—from genomic sequences to 19th-century museum specimens—remain machine-actionable and ready for re-discovery.