Metadata overview
Why is metadata important?
Metadata includes titles, summaries, sample details, and methods that describe your data. During the submission process, data submitted to FEGA Sweden must have this information. Once published, these public descriptions make it easier for other researchers to find and reuse a dataset.
FEGA Sweden uses metadata to connect submitted files to studies, samples, experiments, analyses, and datasets. Preparing this information early can reduce the amount of revision needed during the submission process, but you can also prepare it with guidance from the FEGA Sweden Helpdesk after creating a submission request.
As you prepare for the detailed submission work, it can be useful to collect the metadata for the public descriptions of your data:
- study and dataset titles and descriptions
- information that explains what each sample represents
- experiment, library preparation, and sequencing details, if relevant
- descriptions of analysis files and how they were produced, if relevant
This public metadata helps researchers find the data. It does not make the submitted data files publicly available; access to those files remains controlled.
Public metadata are published in EGA and may also be available through other services. Do not include names, personal identity numbers, contact details, detailed locations, family relationships, or combinations of information that could identify a research participant. Keep such information in data files protected by controlled access.
For file inventories, file names, and dataset grouping, see Preparing data.
How FEGA Sweden structures metadata
FEGA Sweden divides metadata into eight main categories (see the figure below). Submitted data files are linked either to “Runs” or to “Analysis” records. This page highlights the categories that submitters most often prepare early. Other information, such as access rules, can be clarified with FEGA Sweden and the organisation responsible for the data during the submission process.
General advice for managing this information
- Keep the metadata in a single location. Consider storing the metadata close to your data files (but in a separate folder). Make sure that files are backed up regularly so that you don’t lose important information.
- Keep your metadata files organised. When preparing tabular metadata outside the FEGA Sweden Submitter Portal, prefer established text-based formats such as TSV or CSV. Use consistent file and column names, and document the files and their columns in a simple README.
- Clarify responsibilities in your team when it comes to collecting and keeping the metadata.
Where should I start?
We know that preparing this information can take time. The following categories are often the most valuable to prepare early: