Missouri Botanical Garden Open Conference Systems, TDWG 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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Using the Taverna Workflow Tool Suite for Biodiversity Research in the BioVeL Project.
Norman Morrison

Building: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Room: Sala dei Continenti
Date: 2013-10-29 02:00 PM – 02:18 PM
Last modified: 2013-10-05

Abstract


The contextual analysis of biodiversity data is computationally intensive (involving the processing and management of large quantities of data), highly integrative (spanning data from many different types and locations) and rapidly evolving (involving the continuous development of novel methods and technologies). This poses a number of challenges for researchers in the field, including access to appropriate infrastructure, taking advantage of recent advancements and communicating research activities.

 

Scientific Workflow Management Systems, such as the Taverna Workflow Tool suite, are a particular class of computer application that manage the design, configuration and execution of repetitive, multi-step analysis processes that are particularly prevalent in biodiversity science. The system handles all the awkward work of accessing the different software and platforms, managing the data and security, handling errors and documenting the process.

 

The Taverna Workflow Suite is currently powering the Biodiversity Virtual eLaboratory project (www.biovel.eu) and is releasing a steady stream of biodiversity workflows in collaboration with European partners via the myExperiment website (biovel.myExperiment.org). A growing number of biodiversity related web services are also discoverable via an online centralized catalogue of services (www.biodiversitycatalogue.org).

 

This talk will discuss some of the benefits that adopting workflows can offer the biodiversity community including, streamlined analysis methods, reproducibility, knowledge exchange and easier access to cloud computing infrastructure.