Portage was launched in 2015 by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) to contribute to the shared stewardship of research data and to address specific gaps in national research data management infrastructure in Canada. In 2021 Portage joined the New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO).
The Portage Network has grown to over 140 experts from 60 institutions across Canada. Portage collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders and partners locally, nationally, and internationally to build capacity and develop services and infrastructure so that all academic researchers in Canada have access to the support they need for research data management.
Portage is guided by a set of Fundamental Principles:
- Research data are a public good
- Intelligent access: openness, with respect for privacy
- Collaborative approaches: cost savings and shared expertise
- Inclusiveness: aim to serve all researchers and to create a more level playing field
- Commitment to standards and interoperability
- International relationships: liaise internationally and ensure Portage’s work keeps pace with international practices
- Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhance excellence, innovation and creativity
- Respect for differences: flexibility to meet the needs of different regions, institutions, and disciplines
- Open source: tools will be contributed back to the community
- Stewardship: a sense of responsibility for managing research data over the long term