One of the biggest impediments in recognizing efforts of all players involved in data collection, management and publishing is lack of data citation mechanism and service.  Thus, universal standards for citing datasets are essential. Currently we lack consistency in data citations. It is difficult or impossible given the existing citation metrics system to identify who originally created or added value to a datum. In our pursuit to ensure free and open access this situation is further complicated as the same data is published through several access points, and also published in aggregation and integration with data from multiple resources. This emphasize the need for comprehensive data citation metrics that can recognize efforts every individual, research group, institutions responsible for collection to publishing of biodiversity data.

This symposium will deliberate on issues such as, (a) assess the status of data citation in biodiversity, its limitations, vis-à-vis data citations in other disciplines, (b) understand technical, infrastructural, social, and cultural challenges in data citation, (c) counters of comprehensive ‘data citation’ metrics both for publisher determined and user driven citations, (d) specifications of data citation service to ensure registration and resolution of citations, and  (e) data citation service implementation feasibility.

The purpose of the session is to evolve common understanding of complexity, challenge and opportunities is institutionalizing data citation services for biodiversity data. In order to stimulate the discussion, data citation metrics, and service for GBIF network will be presented. Outline of the proposed ‘Best Practice Guide for biodiversity data citation’ will also be debated. Symposium will further explore opportunities of collaborations so that the goal of expeditious institutionalization and uptake of data citation in biodiversity realm can be achieved.