Tuesday, May 30, 2017

#Wikidata - Thomas Scheibel - a German scientist

When Wikidata is filled, it is typically content from the English Wikipedia. This adds to an existing bias. Germany is known for the high quality of its scientist and, Mr Scheibel is one of them.

Recently all the German "science awards" have their data imported in Wikidata. Mr Scheibel is only one of many Germans who's career is now better represented. Four of the awards bestowed on him are now well represented. For recent awardees Wikidata was searched for their presence; something like 25% of these people already existed.

The diversity of Wikidata is better served when more data from the "other" Wikipedias is imported. This is best done by people who know a language and for me Dutch, German and French are obvious targets. I can manage in many other languages but it is easier to make mistakes.

What we need is champions for the data for countries and cultures. They can ensure that we are truly of global relevance. This is one way of ensuring that we will be of relevance in 2030.
Thanks,
      GerardM

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