We are a home for Earth science data and computing professionals. Our sessions bring together the community for hands-on, interdisciplinary deep dives as we explore "Bridging Divides: Data, Technology, Community" this year. Learn more about this theme on the ESIP Meetings page.
Session and plenary recordings will be published on the ESIP YouTube Channel.
As AI and machine learning are increasingly deployed across the Earth and environmental sciences pipeline — from data ingestion through model training, evaluation, and downstream applications — the field faces a shared challenge: how do we know when AI outputs are fit for the purposes to which they are being put? This requires shared epistemic infrastructure: frameworks, vocabularies, documentation standards, readiness assessments, and governance practices that make AI systems legible, evaluable, and accountable. This session brings together researchers developing epistemic infrastructure components including data readiness frameworks, model readiness standards, AI/ML documentation protocols, and pipeline risk assessment approaches. Designed as a structured working dialogue, not a finished-products showcase.
Audience Researchers actively developing epistemic infrastructure components; data producers; model developers; end users; representatives from NSF NCAR, NOAA, NASA, DOE, and university partners
iNaturalist (inaturalist.org) is most likely the most extensive global citizen science effort: over 4 million observers have contributed over 250 million biodiversity observations, many ingested by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (gbif.org). iNat data are cited in over 6,000 peer-reviewed publications, helps ground-truth satellite observations and validate model predictions, and has a fascinating AI/machine learning back end. This session provides a brief overview of iNaturalist and then primarily operates as an interactive open mic, encouraging participants to describe how they are using iNat, share tips, ask questions, and explore new uses. Bring something to share — the intent is to generate learning, catalyze new collaborations, and have fun.
Audience Universal — especially of interest to educators and creative multi-disciplinary thinkers interested in citizen science, biodiversity, and Earth science data
Senior business consultant, EPA (retired); Innovate Inc.
Steve is a retired 30+ year EPA employee. He specialized in information technology, management, and policy with a focus on leveraging new technologies to provide open, actionable information to the public. He also developed a sub- specialty in biodiversity informatics and played a... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT Location TBA
This workshop-style session explores the question: how easy or possible is it to locate all of the data from a single research cruise? And can we digitally recreate the cruise as a footprint of the data collected? The session begins with an introduction and lightning presentations, then moves into a working session, and closes with lessons learned and next steps. Research cruises are expensive opportunities for scientists to deploy multiple instruments from multiple funding sources. Due to the heterogeneity of oceanographic sampling equipment — from sediment cores to water collection to sensor-based observations — the session will attempt to bridge the divide between technologies and guide the marine data community on how to better facilitate discoverability and interoperability of these valuable data resources.
Audience Coders, data managers interested in practical interoperability of marine data
Matt works as a physical scientist in the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) office, improving access to data and information by working on data management and ensuring the products put out by IOOS are easily accessible to the public.
