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PDF, English - main document Download (2MB) | Lizenz: Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration (HMC) - Building a Sustainable FAIR Data Ecosystem in a Changing Research Landscape by Curdt, Constanze ; Köstner, Nicole ; Heel, Lena ; Lemster, Christine ; Lorenz, Sören ; Trösch, Mirl underlies the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

Abstract

The Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration (HMC), initiated in 2019 by the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, is dedicated to advancing research data management by translating global metadata standards into practical, interoperable formats. Our mission is to enable the visibility, accessibility, and reusability of research data across Helmholtz and beyond, transforming the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles into practice. In the context of an ever-evolving research landscape, we aim to establish a sustainable, semantically enriched FAIR data ecosystem that spans all 18 Helmholtz centres and integrates across six interdisciplinary research fields: Aeronautics, Space & Transport, Earth & Environment, Energy, Health, Information, and Matter.

Our strategic focus lies in three key areas: (1) Assessing the FAIRness of research data across Helmholtz, (2) Enhancing connectivity between research data and infrastructures, and (3) Implementing practical metadata solutions based on best practices and standards. We work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders—including data producers, research infrastructure professionals, and administrators—to ensure the coherent and connected use of metadata throughout the Helmholtz Association.

Over the past years, we have conducted comprehensive surveys and FAIR metric analyses to assess the state of research data management within Helmholtz. Through outreach, training, and consulting, we raised awareness of the critical role of metadata in fostering Open Science. Additionally, we have built the technical foundation required to interconnect FAIR data across Helmholtz and established a framework for a collaborative FAIR data space. Our support of 28 community-driven projects has facilitated the development of tailored metadata solutions, addressing practical challenges in research data management. In parallel, we maintain strong links to national and international initiatives such as NFDI, EOSC, and RDA, ensuring alignment with global efforts in Open Science.

In our poster, we will share insights into our methodologies, achievements, and lessons learned on our journey toward creating a resilient FAIR data ecosystem. We invite discussions on how to collectively tackle the challenges of research data management in an increasingly interconnected world.