IITA introduces new unit for effective data and information management
Following the institutional reforms that began last year at IITA, the Institute has established a Data and Information Management Unit (DIMU) to lead in managing the array of data and information constantly generated. DIMU will work to strengthen the information infrastructure and interact very closely with scientists to streamline the capture, processing, storage, and retrieval of research data, information and knowledge.
Group photo of members of the new Data Information and Management Unit in Ibadan.
Consequently, DIMU staff members comprising colleagues from Ibadan, Abuja, Cameroon, DR Congo, Malawi, and Kenya drawn from the ICT, Knowledge Center, Biometrics, GIS, Data management, E-research team, and Communication sub-units, converged in Ibadan on 30–31 January for a 2-day workshop to develop a strategy and a shared vision that will guide operations of the Unit going forward. The workshop participants also brainstormed on sustainability plans as well as the mandate of institutional leadership on data and information management.
Ylva Hillbur, Deputy Director General Research, said IITA management created DIMU to serve as a springboard for the modernization
and transformation of information sharing in line with global changes and trends.
Tonny Omwansa, Director, Research Support, who facilitated the workshop, explained that the new unit is strategic for both the scientific and administrative arms of the Institute.
“DIMU is mandated to provide institutional leadership on Data and Information Management, for both scientific and administrative data. As such, if IITA is to be at the cutting edge of modern approaches such as Big Data and Analytics, the Unit has to lay a strong foundation on standards and best practices,” Omwansa said.
A team of volunteers was formed to continue streamlining the strategy before the launch of DIMU scheduled for the middle of the year.
