Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Research data management

In the virtual event "Research data infrastructure: Analysis and Insights from the Questionnaire results", Judith Hartstein and Clemens Blümel introduced the results of “Trend survey on research data infrastructures 2024” carried out at the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies GmbH (DZHW), specifically focusing on how the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) initiative in perceived by researchers in Germany. The survey aimed to understand the role of research data infrastructures in researchers' daily practices, their needs, and challenges. Research data infrastructures are essential for accessing, analyzing, and collaborating different research objects. They encompass software, hardware, and policies for data management. The speaker emphasizes  the importance of research data infrastructures as research becomes increasingly data-driven and resource-intensive, research data infrastructures facilitate access, analysis, and collaboration. The survey is carried out within the framework of the project Base4NFDI „Systematic assessment of impact of Base4NFDI“ (2023 – 2028). The survey targeted researchers in Germany, receiving around 1,000 responses, from different disciplines such as social sciences, natural sciences, engineering sciences, and more.

The results of the survey showed that:

• A significant portion of researchers use research data infrastructures in their work,
• There is a general lack of consensus on data archiving and sharing practices within research fields,
• And researchers expressed a need for better information and support regarding available research data infrastructures.

The answers of the survey about National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) showed that:

• Many researchers are not familiar with the NFDI or its objectives, it is better known among professors,
• Awareness of NFDI consortia is higher among professors and in certain fields, such as engineering and natural sciences,
• And there is a need to improve communication and dissemination of information about NFDI initiatives.

Here are the main key points to take away:

• Research data infrastructures are essential for modern, data-driven research and facilitate collaboration and resource sharing.
• Researchers need better support and information about available infrastructures to fully utilize them.
• Awareness and familiarity with the NFDI are currently low, indicating a need for improved outreach and communication efforts.
• Discrepancies in the use and perception of data infrastructures exist across different academic fields, highlighting the need for tailored approaches.