Rory joins Shawn Ross, Director of Data Science and eResearch at Macquarie University and an Associate Professor of History and Archaeology, for a truly fascinating conversation that spans personal involvement in Data Science and the FAIMS project, Climate change and implications for field research, as well as a focused discussion on national institutions in Australia, including the ARDC, that are promoting FAIR data practices. Finally, Shawn and Rory discuss some of the challenges in translating FAIR initiatives from thought to reality, especially given the complex environment and players involved.