Reproducible Research Publication Workflow: A Canonical Workflow Framework and FAIR Digital Object Approach to Quality Research Output

Abstract

In this paper we present the Reproducible Research Publication Workflow (RRPW) as an example of how generic canonical workflows can be applied to a specific context. The RRPW includes essential steps between submission and final publication of the manuscript and the research artefacts (i.e., data, code, etc.) that underlie the scholarly claims in the manuscript. A key aspect of the RRPW is the inclusion of artefact review and metadata creation as part of the publication workflow. The paper discusses a formalized technical structure around a set of canonical steps which helps codify and standardize the process for researchers, curators, and publishers. The proposed application of canonical workflows can help achieve the goals of improved transparency and reproducibility, increase FAIR compliance of all research artefacts at all steps, and facilitate better exchange of annotated and machine-readable metadata.