Gaia development is in full speed aiming to the launch in December 2011. While the entities formally responsible to make Gaia happen are very focused to be ready in time, it is necessary to explore the readiness of the wider scientific community to exploit Gaia data in the future. The GST sees a role for itself in building and enabling the community to use the Gaia catalogues when they become available. This paper gives the background for the current activities the GST is taking to promote the community to start preparations for the exploitation of Gaia data.