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Data access

Our research data centres: the key to quality-assured data for your research

This field of action bundles important activities that aim at more integrated and harmonised data access, and develops them further. Currently counting 38 accredited research data centres (RDCs), the existing network is constantly growing. It is structured by the Committee for Data Access (currently: Committee for Research Data Infrastructure).

As part of the NFDI, the capacities of the RDCs are strengthened, while maintaining the system as a federal infrastructure. In order to provide user-friendly services to a broader community, KonsortSWD will open up the expertise and services in the RDM to other users (e.g., other disciplines or universities) and transfer its know-how to the scientific communities. To do so, we have set the following priorities:

  • Harmonisation of processes across RDCs. This will lead to more transparent access paths. Despite different legal restrictions and institutional arrangements, data users should encounter similar structures when contacting different RDCs.
  • Facilitating access to sensitive data by creating a nationwide network of access points (e.g., guest researcher workstation at RDCs). This reduces expenditures (costs and travel) for data users.
  • Building a federated archiving infrastructure. In a first step, qualitative data that were previously inaccessible for secondary use to a large extent will be systematically incorporated into the RDC network.
  • Improving the qualification of RDC staff and data users in the disciplines covered by KonsortSWD. This will also help to meet the growing requirements of RDM.
  • Establishment of an interaction platform to support the users of various RDCs. This will facilitate access to data-related help and support services.
  • Lastly, KonsortSWD will make relevant and new data available to the RDCs through competitively awarded RDM grants.

Supporting research data centres

Creating benchmark processes and quality standards to support RDCs in implementing FAIR principles for sustainable and trustworthy data access.

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RDCnet

Connecting guest researcher workplaces to facilitate simple yet secure access to non-anonymised microdata.

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QualidataNet – Sharing and re-using qualitative research data

Support of archiving and sharing of qualitative data in social research.

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RDM Compas – Developing and exchanging professional research data management skills

Online platform featuring teaching and information material.

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Forum4MICA – Making Information Commonly Available

The online forum for getting started with the use of data collections and for sharing related expert knowledge.

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RDM project grants

RDM project grants support researchers in preparing and making available relevant new data collections for secondary use in accordance with the FAIR principles.

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