1. A method for providing proximate dataset recommendations comprising: creating of a plurality of metadata records that correspond to a plurality of datasets representing scientific data by a scientific dataset search tool, wherein said plurality of metadata records conform to a standardized structural definition, wherein values for data elements of a metadata record are contained within a corresponding dataset; identifying at least one metadata record from the plurality of metadata records having a value that is proximate to one or more user-entered search parameters, wherein proximity is determined with respect to a range represented by the corresponding user-entered search parameters; calculating a proximity score for each identified metadata record, wherein said proximity score expresses a relevance of the corresponding dataset to the user-entered search parameters; using the proximity score to filter or order metadata records to create a listing of dataset results.