Increase semantic uptake in trait-based research through LifeWatch Italy Traits Thesauri

An incredible amount of trait-based data and databases have been collected and produced to date. However, they do not fully meet the FAIR principles yet. Besides data findability (F) and accessibility (A), the main challenge is interoperability (I) and reusability (R) of trait data due to lack of syntactic and semantic harmonisation and inconsistencies in the use of trait terminologies. To overcome such barriers and advance a common strategy to globalize and mobilize trait-based data, the LifeWatch Italy research infrastructure provides and develops trait-based semantic resources. Here we present the current status and planned implementation of the Functional Traits Thesauri, which aim to harmonise and formalise concepts for morphological, physiological, behavioural and life-history traits of aquatic organisms. Their use within broadly shared data management practices will improve the interoperability and integration of trait data, enabling exciting advancements in trait-based big data analyses and modeling in the coming years.