FAIRperiaatteetFindable

FAIRperiaatteetFindable refers to the Findable principle within the FAIR data principles, a framework designed to improve the discoverability of research data. Findable data and metadata should be easy to locate for both humans and machines, enabling reliable identification and access over time.

Key requirements include the use of globally unique and persistent identifiers (such as DOIs, URIs, or Handles) and rich, standardized metadata that describe the data. Metadata typically covers elements like title, creator, publisher, publication year, version, license, provenance, and access conditions. To maximize discovery, metadata should be indexed in searchable registries or catalogs and linked to machine-readable landing pages that provide or point to the actual data and its usage terms.

Practically, Findable data are described with common schemas and vocabularies, such as DataCite metadata, Dublin Core, or schema.org, and are registered in data repositories or registries that support discovery through search tools and data portals. The use of persistent identifiers ensures that references remain resolvable even if data locations change. Even when data access is restricted, the metadata should remain openly discoverable, with clear access conditions.

The Findable principle is the first of the FAIR pillars—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable—emphasizing that discoverability is foundational to data reuse and reproducibility. Implementations are common in data repositories, science gateways, and research infrastructures that publish data with persistent identifiers and standardized metadata.