Data volume and variety on the web is growing, and with it so-called ‘big data’ technologies and services. However, we are not yet able to use all data to its full potential because, at least in part, there are many barriers to finding and using data.

Data is typically grouped into datasets. Many of these are published on the web. However, these are distributed in data catalogues available on different data portals, and no centralised way of searching for data has yet been developed that would overcome these silos.

The ODI hosts PhD students who are mapping specific problems within this area, from a user’s perspective.