Schleswig-Holstein strengthens research data management

Published on: April 8, 2025

Schleswig-Holstein is further expanding its state-wide support for research data management (RDM). At the first plenary meeting of the state initiative FDM-SH on 28 March in Kiel, the follow-up project “FDM-SH Reach-Out” was presented, which will be supported from April as part of the Digitisation Programme 4.0 and which will drive forward the further development of infrastructure, expertise and networking in the field of research data management.

Members of the FDM-SH Community at the evening event of the FDM-SH General Assembly on 28 March 2025 at the ZBW Kiel. Photo: Gunnar Dethlefsen.
Members of the FDM-SH Community at the evening event of the FDM-SH General Assembly on 28 March 2025 at the ZBW Kiel. Photo: Gunnar Dethlefsen.

FDM-SH sets the course for the next project phase

The event focussed on strategic questions: How can RDM be systematically integrated into research projects? What structures do institutions need in order to make data available in the long term? And what role does RDM play in the context of third-party funding applications and artificial intelligence? These and other topics were addressed in a World Café and in a concluding panel discussion with representatives from research, universities, cultural institutions and science administration.

At the World Café, all participants were able to contribute their perspectives on the topics. Photo: Gunnar Dethlefsen.
At the World Café, all participants were able to contribute their perspectives on the topics. Photo: Gunnar Dethlefsen.

The event at the ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics also provided space for exchange within the community: members of the FDM-SH committees, interest groups and working groups discussed existing challenges and future approaches. Education Minister Karin Prien and Digitalisation Minister Dirk Schrödter delivered digital greetings and emphasised the strategic importance of the topic.

The official handover of the final report of the previous project to the Ministry of Education also marks the visible transition to the next project phase. The follow-up project ‘FDM-SH Reach-Out’ aims to strengthen the visibility and impact of the initiative in a targeted manner. Special attention will be paid to addressing new interest groups such as cultural institutions, commercial enterprises and the state administration.

Together with members of the FDM-SH community, the FDM-SH Office hands over the final report of the FDM-SH implementation project to Andreas Techen from the Ministry of Education. Photo: Gunnar Dethlefsen.
Together with members of the FDM-SH community, the FDM-SH Office hands over the final report of the FDM-SH implementation project to Andreas Techen from the Ministry of Education. Photo: Gunnar Dethlefsen.

“With FDM-SH Reach-Out, we are creating new structures to anchor research data management even more broadly in Schleswig-Holstein. The plenary meeting showed how great the interest in exchange, qualification and joint development is - we want to build on this.” - Prof. Dr Klaus Tochtermann, Director of the ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics and Chairman of the FDM-SH Advisory Board.