Section 1
Introduction
The PIDINST web application is an instrument registry designed specifically for AuScope-funded and AuScope-owned scientific instruments.
Purpose
Its purpose is to provide a central place to record, manage, and publish structured information about instruments that are part of the AuScope research infrastructure network. The application helps ensure that these instruments are clearly described, discoverable, traceable, and reusable across research projects and datasets.
Standards and identifiers
The registry is based on the PIDINST metadata standard, which supports persistent identification of instruments. The PIDINST metadata captured in the application is also mapped to the DataCite Metadata Schema 4.7, enabling instrument records to be published and assigned Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs). It allows users to capture key information such as instrument name, identifier, type, manufacturer, owner, contacts, funding references, location, lifecycle status, and related organisations.
Why it matters
By using the PIDINST registry, AuScope can improve the visibility of its funded and owned instruments, support better data provenance, and make it easier for researchers, partners, and stakeholders to understand what instruments are available, who manages them, and how they relate to broader research activities.