KNOXVILLE—SciData is a new master’s initiative at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, School of Information Sciences that focuses on science data management.
Scientific data is growing in scale and complexity across all scientific disciplines, which is leading to an increased need for professionals who specialize in scientific data curation research and education. The need for professionals specifically trained in the management and curation of scientific data is growing.
In response to this need, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided funds to develop SciData as a two-year master’s program. Eight students with science background or interest in science data and information are now being recruited. They will study information sciences with courses designed to build specialties in digital data curation and an emphasis on scientific publishing, leading to a master’s degree in information sciences.
Students are now being recruited for a two-year degree program to begin August 2012. The student award and support includes:
- tuition cost coverage;
- stipend to study and work in the Knoxville area;
- laptop computer;
- health insurance;
- travel to England in the summer of 2013 for science e-publishing study; and
- practical experiences with science agencies.
The deadline for admission submissions for the SciData program is April 27. Potential students should go to scidata.sis.utk.edu/admissions to learn more about the program and its admission requirements.
The principal investigator on SciData is Suzie Allard, associate professor and associate director of the School of Information Sciences at UT. She is joined by co-principal investigators Carol Tenopir and Peiling Wang, both professors in the program with extensive science information expertise.
SciData’s partners include IMLS, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Information International Associates, the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, and the Office of Scientific and Technical Information.
The School of Information Sciences is a part of the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee. SIS is recognized nationally and internationally as an interdisciplinary program of excellence in the information sciences. Graduates of the school’s programs are knowledgeable, skillful, and ethical users of information and information technology in their educational, professional, and personal endeavors. For more information, visit www.sis.utk.edu.
IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. For more information, visit www.imls.gov.
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C O N T A C T :
Donna Silvey (865-974-2148, dsilvey@utk.edu)