Data preservation in high energy physics

Data preservation is a mandatory specification for any present and future experimental facility and it is a cost-effective way of doing fundamental research by exploiting unique data sets in the light of the continuously increasing theoretical understanding. This document summarizes the status of data preservation in high energy physics. The paradigms and the methodological advances are discussed from a perspective of more than ten years of experience with a structured effort at international level. The status and the scientific return related to the preservation of data accumulated at large collider experiments are presented, together with an account of ongoing efforts to ensure long-term analysis capabilities for ongoing and future experiments. Transverse projects aimed at generic solutions, most of which are specifically inspired by open science and FAIR principles, are presented as well. A prospective and an action plan are also indicated.

Automated summary

This document summarizes the status and importance of data preservation in high energy physics and discusses the experience and advances in this field over the past decade. It presents the current status of preserving data accumulated from large collider experiments and highlights efforts to ensure long-term analysis capabilities for ongoing and future experiments. Additionally, it introduces transverse projects inspired by open science and FAIR principles, and outlines a prospective and an action plan.