FAIR data in bioarchaeology - where are we at?

Bioarchaeology, which encompasses the study of ancient DNA, osteoarchaeology, paleopathology, palaeoproteomics, stable isotopes, and zooarchaeology, is generating an ever-increasing volume of data as a result of advancements in molecular biology, technology, and publishing techniques. This data, derived from a finite amount of material, holds immense value in the analysis of our human ancestors' lives. To ensure the long-term reusability of this data, one potential approach is to make it FAIR. This entails making the data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. A Needs Analysis revealed that the reuse of bioarchaeological data is considered significant, with extensive reuse already taking place across various bioarchaeology subdisciplines. However, currently, there is no standardized process for data creation and deposition. Consequently, this wealth of information is processed in different ways, at varying levels, resulting in a range of data types that are deposited in diverse locations, with different levels of Open Access and copyright, even within a specialization. Furthermore, there is a mixed adoption of elements that can facilitate FAIRness, such as Persistent Identifiers (including ORCiDs), appropriate metadata, and systematic documentation. To further enhance opportunities for data preservation and reuse, as well as to maximize the benefits derived from the expanding pool of bioarchaeology data, a standardized data management procedure encompassing all aspects of bioarchaeology, along with a federated search interface, is essential.