Our data model

Our service data model outlines the metadata fields that need to be captured to support search and discovery of UK equipment and facilities. In order to submit data to the service, universities and research organisations must supply metadata that matches our service data model. This data is then uploaded/harvested and enables searching through one aggregation portal.

The work on our data model and identifiers has been informed by working with international partners in adopting a new standard for persistent identifiers for instruments (PIDINST)

Our data model contains five sections:

• Description
• Details
• Access
• Relations
• Funding

The service can now assign DOIs for equipment records if all the mandatory fields have been met.

See our data model in detail for more information on the sections and the mandatory fields. You can also access our data model guidance which outlines the sections and mandatory fields, and our spreadsheet template.