What does the resource contain?
The linked Train the Trainer concept encompasses various materials that can be utilized in educational contexts related to research data management. It was originally developed in the FDMentor project and is now maintained by the DINI / nestor-AG “Forschungsdaten”.
The topics covered include both the content-related aspects of research data management and units on didactic principles and the development of teaching and workshop concepts. In addition, the concept includes a collection of didactic methods.
How can the resource be applied?
- Prepare RDM workshops with ready-to-use unit scripts.
- Train new trainers at research institutions.
- Combine with online learning (e.g. LiaScript course).
- Customize content with CARE/FAIR modules for specific contexts.
Credits
This resource was developed by:
- Biernacka, K., Dockhorn, R., Engelhardt, C., Helbig, K., Jacob, J., Kalová, T., Karsten, A., Meier, K., Mühlichen, A., Neumann, J., Petersen, B., Slowig, B., Trautwein-Bruns, U., Wilbrandt, J., & Wiljes, C. (2023). Train-the-Trainer-Konzept zum Thema Forschungsdatenmanagement (Version 5) [Computer software]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10122153
What does the resource contain?
FAIR Assessment Tools help researchers and developers systematically evaluate how well their research outputs align with the FAIR principles. FAIR stands for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, which are guiding principles for improving the management and stewardship of scientific data and digital objects.
By running datasets or software through FAIR assessment tools, users obtain structured reports, quantitative scores, and actionable feedback. This helps identify gaps in compliance with FAIR principles and provides guidance for making research outputs more discoverable, usable, and sustainable over the long term.
On the linked website of FAIR-IMPACT, you find a list of FAIR-assessment tools, each with a different focus: While F-UJI is a web service to programmatically assess FAIRness of research data objects at the dataset level, FAIR-Aware helps you assess your knowledge of the FAIR Principles, O’FAIRe (Ontology FAIRness Evaluator) is a metadata-based automatic FAIRness assessment methodology for ontologies and semantic artefacts, and FOOPS! (Ontology Pitfall Scanner for FAIR) is a tool for assessing FAIRness level for ontologies.
Since software requires different considerations when it comes to theoretically and practically designing FAIR, specified metrics for software are necessary. The linked FAIR-impact metrics for software guide this specified assessment.
How can the resource be applied?
- Check a dataset before publication to improve metadata and accessibility.
- Demonstrate FAIR compliance in project deliverables.
- Teach FAIR principles in workshops with hands-on assessments.
- Evaluate software sustainability using dedicated FAIR metrics.
Credits
All information and tools listed above stem from the FAIR-IMPACT website.
RDM online course for energy researchers
What does the resource contain?
The “Research Data Management (RDM) for Energy Research” course offers a detailed exploration of how to handle research data in the energy sector. The course introduces participants to the FAIR data principles — ensuring data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. It emphasizes practical steps for managing data efficiently, from the creation of data management plans to handling complex data from simulations and software in energy projects. The interactive nature of the course, along with real-world examples, ensures a comprehensive understanding of RDM tailored specifically for energy researchers.
The course is hosted on LiaScript, an interactive learning platform, and covers essential topics such as data lifecycle management, data preservation, and sharing practices. Participants will learn about the legal and ethical considerations related to data management in energy research, including open-access strategies and the use of metadata for enhanced collaboration.
How can the resource be applied?
- Self-paced learning for students, PhD students, or early-career researchers.
- Introductory module in workshops or summer schools.
- Supplementary material for trainers preparing lectures or tutorials.
Credits / Source
The initial development of the course was funded by the EFZN’s (Energy Research Centre of Lower Saxony), a broader initiative to foster efficient and transparent research practices in the energy sector, implemented by the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, and supported by ZDIN and NFDI4Energy.
What does the resource contain?
Forschungsdaten.info is a central German-language portal for research data management. It provides reliable guidance on technical, organizational, and legal aspects of handling research data.
In addition to in-depth articles and case studies, it features Spiele mit FDM-Bezug — interactive games and playful exercises designed to make RDM concepts more tangible and engaging for learners. These games can be used in teaching, workshops, or self-study.
The portal is maintained collaboratively by research organizations and libraries, ensuring that information remains up to date and trustworthy.
How can the resource be applied?
- Use it as a foundational reference in training or onboarding.
- Integrate the “Spiele” section in workshops to create interactive learning moments.
- Assign specific articles to newcomers as introductory reading.
Credits
The Website Forschungsdaten.info is operated and hosted by the University of Konstanz within the Baden-Württemberg state initiative for research data management (bwFDM).
