OntoPosGrad: a reference ontology for theses and dissertations in Brazilian stricto sensu graduate programs

Abstract

Introduction: The organization and retrieval of academic information in stricto sensu graduate education require conceptual models capable of making domain entities, relations, and rules explicit, especially in contexts involving semantic interoperability and linked data publication. Objective: To create, present and discuss OntoPosGrad, a reference ontology for the domain of final academic works produced in Brazilian stricto sensu graduate programs. Methodology: This qualitative, applied, and exploratory research was conducted with support from the SABiO methodology through bibliographic and documentary analysis, meetings and interviews with domain specialists, construction of a preliminary knowledge graph, and OntoUML modeling grounded in UFO. Results: The study produced a preliminary conceptual model and the first version of the reference ontology, organized around defense, registration and collaboration, fellowship, and knowledge-area views. Comparison with international models for research information and the representation of theses and dissertations highlighted the complementary nature of OntoPosGrad; its contribution lies in the granularity regarding the Brazilian process and the explicit definition of events, roles, and mediated relationships. Conclusion: OntoPosGrad provides a conceptual domain layer that complements broader scientific information models and can guide future operational ontologies, semantic alignments, linked data publication, and interoperable queries.