A common ontology for stable isotope data

Abstract

Stable isotope data has broad applicability across multiple science domains. As more datasets are published and stable isotope data systems are built, the findability and accessibility of stable isotope data increases. However, due to a lack of a common reporting framework, the interoperability of these data systems is limited. A common ontology is needed so stable isotope data systems and published datasets can be translated into a common format without disrupting existing data models or introducing complex workflows. This common ontology for stable isotope data and associated metadata offers a methodology to achieve cross-domain interoperability of environmental stable isotope data. It functions as a straightforward data stewardship tool to enhance the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse (FAIR principles) of stable isotope data across disciplines. Ultimately, this ontology aims to make existing data systems cohesive, interoperable, and discoverable across the entire measurement pipeline, encompassing publicly accessible repositories, peer-reviewed literature, and grey literature. © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Open Access CC BY 4.0.