Research Data Infrastructure on MENA

CMES aims to coordinate and compile data and analyses generated through a range of  PhD, postdoctoral and interdisciplinary research projects on the MENA region to be openly shared through a data infrastructure platform. Other freely accessible data in other online databases will also be collated, analyzed and shared through the platform. Implementing AI, the raw data will be combined, gaps will be filled, and the output can be converted into a readable format.

Having access to functional and comprehensive datasets of environmental, social, political, and economic factors is central to arriving at an accurate evaluation of the condition of the natural- and political human-related systems. The most cost-effective way to access data of any kind is a digital infrastructure that promotes data sharing of well-maintained and organized datasets stored in a stable and safe environment.

In the MENA region, the amount of research carried out is highly limited by data availability. Data scarcity and inaccessibility are the major bottlenecks for promoting a stimulating and active research environment in various aspects of the region.

Objectives

The primary aim is to initiate a data infrastructure project where multidisciplinary data is collected, controlled, processed, stored, and made available through the internet and computer systems supported by CMES.

• Provide valuable and high-quality data on the MENA region free of charge for international researchers and policymakers to utilize
• Generate insights that lead to accurate policy decisions in the MENA region and allow for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals