What are research data and what is research software?

What are research data?

Research data refers to data generated in the course of the scientific research process. Depending on the scientific discipline, the research data generated may be available in various formats.

What is research data management?

Research data management (RDM) refers to all processes designed to adequately document, use, and make research data accessible, as well as to ensure that it remains reusable and verifiable. By actively promoting professionalization and standardization, we aim to make these processes more efficient in order to effectively improve research performance. Accordingly, RDM is not an end in itself, but rather aims to ensure the long-term preservation of research results and makes an essential contribution to good scientific practice.

Why research data management?

Proper management of research data is a central aspect of scientific work and requires adherence to the FAIR principles. It requires consideration of the various stages of the data lifecycle and the use of a structured data management plan.

Moreover, when applying for research project funding, nearly all research funding institutions and programs now require a detailed description of how research data is handled.
For example, a specific statement is mandatory in DFG applications. BMBF funding calls also typically include precise requirements that must be addressed in applications. Further information on the funding agencies’ guidelines regarding research data management can be found at forschungsdaten.info.

What is research software?

Research software is defined by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Handling of Research Software in the DFG’s Funding Activities as software created during the research process or for a research purpose.

Why focus specifically on research software?

Just as with research data, the proper handling of research software is a central aspect of academic work. The DFG Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity repeatedly refers to the explicit handling and use of research software. This may include, for example, the aspects FAIR access to research software or quality assurance. Other research funders are also increasingly requiring an explicit description of how research software is handled before, during, and after the study phase in grant applications.

National Research Data Infrastructures (NFDI)

The DFG supports research in Germany by funding NFDI consortia that offer concrete solutions for research data management. This complements local services with subject-specific resources. Goethe University is involved in the NFDI in various capacities. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.