Metadata Infrastructure Consulting
Make your research data work contextually
We help research infrastructures design, implement, and operationalize interoperable metadata systems — bridging technical architecture and community adoption.
The Problem
Research infrastructure is at an inflection point
FAIR mandates are becoming enforceable. PID adoption is accelerating. AI is surfacing metadata debt. Yet most organizations lack the specialized expertise to respond.
Fragmented metadata
Inconsistent schemas, missing PIDs, free-text fields where controlled vocabularies should be.
Lack of interoperability
Systems that can’t exchange data with partners, funders, or global infrastructure.
Low adoption
Technically sound infrastructure that researchers don’t use because the human side was neglected.
Strategy–implementation gap
Organizations that know what they want but can’t translate vision into working systems.
What We Do
Four flagship packages
Productized offerings with defined scope, deliverables, and timelines — so you know exactly what you're getting.
Metadata Infrastructure Health Check
Metadata quality analysis, interoperability assessment, gap identification, and a prioritized implementation roadmap.
Repositories, data centers, infrastructure projects
PID Strategy & Implementation
DOI, ORCID, and ROR integration — from strategy document through schema mapping, workflow design, and staff training.
ELN platforms, repositories, national infrastructure
Knowledge Graph Blueprint
Schema design, ontology modeling, RDF/JSON-LD data model, and a reference implementation for your semantic layer.
Research institutes, scientific consortia, infrastructure projects
Interoperability Architecture Audit
Cross-system metadata mapping, schema crosswalks, vocabulary harmonization, and a governance framework.
Multi-partner projects, consortia, research infrastructures
Why Us
Domain experts who deliver
Domain expertise
We work exclusively in scholarly infrastructure. We speak the language of metadata, PIDs, and FAIR.
Full-stack delivery
Strategy through implementation through adoption. No handoffs, no gaps between planning and execution.
Technical + human
We build systems and build communities. Architecture that works is only half the job — adoption is the other.
Global + connected
Embedded in RDA, FORCE11, DataCite, EOSC, and NFDI — the networks where decisions are made.
Who We Are
Meet the partners
Sara El-Gebali
Semantic Infrastructure Architect
Specializes in metadata modeling, knowledge graphs, and interoperability architecture. Designs semantic layers connecting datasets, publications, researchers, and instruments.
Capabilities
Xiaoli Chen
Research Infrastructure Strategist
Specializes in PID adoption, community engagement, and cross-organizational coordination. Led a $1M grant across 7 international partners delivering 38 outputs.
Capabilities
How We Work
From discovery to delivery
Discovery
Free initial consultation. We define scope, align on goals, and deliver a clear proposal.
Assessment
Technical analysis and stakeholder consultation to document the current state.
Architecture
Solution design, specifications, and models — with review and iteration built in.
Implementation
Hands-on guidance during build, developer consultation, testing, and validation.
Adoption
Training, documentation, governance setup, and transition to your internal teams.
Ready to make your metadata infrastructure work?
Start with a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll understand your challenges and outline how we can help.