NATO STO

Many NATO SET RTGs conducted measurements and trials, and the datasets collected in these trials are unique and invaluable. To some degree, parts of the datasets are shared for collaborative analysis internally the respective RTG. However, often times they are forgotten once they have served their initial purpose and are not shared beyond the RTG that collected them. Additionally, only a small circle of entities, even in the closed circle of NATO SETs, is aware of the existence and potential availability of the collected data. Last but not least, obtaining a copy of the dataset with all the relevant associated information is not straightforward in the majority of the cases due to the absence of a procedure or infrastructure to support data exchange: there is no organized framework that enables the seamless sharing of data across NATO Panels and Groups. Although it would strongly benefit cross-panel activities, there has not yet been an effort inside NATO STO / CSO to create a common database for enabling data sharing outside of individual SET RTGs. For these reasons, the full exploitation of datasets is considerably constrained. Additionally, the involvement of young scientists in analyzing the data as well as their engagement in topics that are relevant to NATO is significantly limited. This is of concern to NATO as in the upcoming years many scientists will retire, and young scientists are underrepresented in its activities. This RTG is an attempt to leverage from the efforts of previous RTGs to create new opportunities. It aims at identifying and gathering shareable quality datasets and making them available to young scientists and the research community from NATO nations to raise their interest in NATO related activities. Additionally, it aims to stimulate innovation and to foster collaboration in and among research institutions from the members of the alliance.