Recap of the 34th Meeting of the FDI Committee
On the 23rd and 24th of April 2026, the 34th meeting of the FDI Committee took place virtually.
The FDI Committee meeting focused on the topics of artificial intelligence and reproducing research results. Representatives from the research data centers (RDCs) accredited by the German Data Forum (RatSWD), as well as guests of the committee, discussed current challenges in handling sensitive data with experts.
On the topic of reproducibility, Lars Vilhuber (Cornell University, Data Editor of the American Economic Association) discussed processes for verifying analytical findings prior to publication in academic journals using reproducibility evidence (replication packages) such as documentation, scripts, and data. In particular, the discussion focused on requirements for researchers, reviewers, and research data centers. In addition, Aleksander Kocaj (FDZ at the IQB) presented findings from the META-REP project at the IQB, which focuses on the conceptual reproduction of analyses in educational research. The presentations and discussions highlighted the pioneering role of economics within the academic disciplines, from which the disciplines represented in KonsortSWD and the RDCs, as providers of sensitive data, can benefit in the future when establishing reliable and efficient reproduction processes.
The second key topic addressed the use of AI in the context of sensitive research data. Building on a report by Thomas Lösch (FDZ Bildung) on the development of an AI policy at the FDZ Bildung (DIPF), participants discussed experiences with AI applications across the various RDCs, as well as the associated opportunities, risks, and requirements regarding data curation and data use.
This meeting once again highlighted the importance of the FDI Committee as a forum for exchange, where participants share their experiences on current topics and, on this basis, learn from one another and collaborate.
In addition to the key topics, the members decided to admit the GLEN study—the German Environmental Panel—as a permanent guest to the committee. With its expertise in collecting and providing panel data, GLEN will enrich the work of the FDI Committee in the future.
Other agenda items included reports from the German Data Forum (RatSWD), a detailed presentation of KonsortSWD’s services for and in collaboration with the RDCs, as well as an update on the Research Data Act (“Forschungsdatengesetz”, FDG) and the ongoing working group activities within the committee. Furthermore, the RDCs prepared their contributions for the 10th Conference on Social and Economic Data, to be held on June 22 and 23, 2026, in Berlin. In addition to expert presentations, conference participants will be able to obtain various informational materials on available research data at the joint RDC booth and engage directly with representatives of the research data centers in a “Meet-the-RDC” format.
The next meeting of the FDI Committee will take place on September 24th and 25th, 2026, at LIfBi in Bamberg.