From Field to FAIR: Bridging the Gap in Plant Phenotyping Data

The recently concluded “Data Management Workshop – From Phenotyping Experiment to FAIR Data” proved to be a landmark event for the Nordic phenotyping community. Over three intensive days (March 11–13), around 85 researchers gathered both on the NMBU campus and online to tackle one of modern biology’s greatest challenges: transforming massive amounts of data into Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) assets.The morning hybrid sessions brought together a “Who’s Who” of international phenotyping experts, giving participants a panoramic view of the current technological landscape.

Day 1

The workshop opened with a united front from Nordic infrastructures (PheNo, NaPPI, NBPPN, and NordPheno), followed by a deep dive into the necessity of data management by Morten Lillemo (NMBU).

• Jesper Cairo Westergaard (UCPH, DK) provided a roadmap for data tools and benefits.
• Sónia Negrão (University College Dublin, IE) took us to the cutting edge of spectral imaging for abiotic stress.
• Sahameh Shafiee (NMBU, NO) transitioned the group from theory to practice with the fundamentals of UAV (drone) data.

Day 2

The second day focused on the “FAIR” philosophy and the software that makes it possible.

Donald Hobern (APPN, AU) joined to discuss international standards for FAIR compliance.

Brian Steffenson (University of Minnesota, USA) shared fascinating insights into image-based phenotyping of Fusarium head blight in cereal crops.

Rita Armonienė (LAMMC, LT) showcased the TraitFinder system for 3D multispectral phenotyping.

Farzaneh Kazemipour (INRAE, FR) introduced the architecture of PHIS (Plant Phenotyping Information System), setting the stage for the afternoon’s technical work.

Day 3

From UAV & TraitFinder Data to PHIS Integration: Hands‑On Implementation

During the three‑day workshop, 25 participants moved from theory to full practical implementation by working directly with real UAV trial datasets and TraitFinder outputs. Under the expert guidance of Sylvain Poque (University of Helsinki, NaPPI) and Farzaneh Kazemimpour (INRAE, FR), the group followed a step‑by‑step workflow to transform raw field data into structured, interoperable information within the PHIS (Phenotyping Hybrid Information System) platform.

The hands‑on sessions focused on understanding data formats, harmonizing metadata, and applying FAIR principles in practice. Participants learned how to prepare UAV‑derived orthomosaics and TraitFinder measurements, map them to PHIS entities, and then into the system using standardized templates and controlled vocabularies. By the end of the workshop, attendees had successfully implemented a complete data pipeline—from field acquisition to FAIR‑compliant storage—mirroring real research workflows and strengthening the Nordic community’s capacity for robust phenotyping data management.

A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who contributed to making this workshop a success—from the dedicated organizers to the inspiring speakers and the engaged participants. Your energy and expertise made these three days truly exceptional.