Data competence centre for the life sciences
A key factor behind the success of research, innovation and economic systems in the digital knowledge society is data literacy – that is, the ability to understand and use data effectively. Demand continues to be high for researchers who have the necessary competencies in analysing, processing, working with and creating links between diverse data records. As part of the Data Strategy of the German Federal Government and the ‘Action Plan Research Data’ launched by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), funding has now been earmarked to establish and consolidate dedicated centres for fostering data skills and competencies in various regions of Germany. These centres will act as learning, research and networking hubs for researchers and will encourage interaction and collaboration with regional stakeholders in businesses and public authorities. The goal is to kick-start a cultural change in how research data is used in order to lay firmer foundations for the creation of data-based innovations.
(Translation of excerpt from BMBF fact sheet)
The LSData.NET project aims to create a regional networking and training hub that will offer researchers and other stakeholders new opportunities to acquire scientific knowledge. The goal of the data competence centre is to boost the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of research in the life sciences by improving people’s data skills and data-science literacy. To achieve this goal, the centre will offer digital, face-to-face and hybrid training courses and learning interventions. Moreover, it will provide expert support and assistance in applying data skills in academic research and will help to build networks of stakeholders from the worlds of research, business and civil society.
In this initial step, ZB MED will focus on developing the concept for a data competence centre. A follow-up project would then be required to put this concept into practice.
Duration
1 December 2022 to 30 April 2023
Funding body
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research: Data Strategy of the German Federal Government and BMBF Action Plan Research Data
Partners
- Prof. Dr. Alexander Sczyrba, University Bielefeld, Computational Metagenomics, Technical Faculty
- apl. Prof. Dr. Stefanie Weidtkamp-Peters, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf
- Prof Dr. Björn Usadel, Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Junior-Prof Dr. Timo Mühlhaus, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Department of Biology, Computational Systems Biology
- Dr. Uwe Scholz, Bioinformatics and Information Technology (BIT), Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben
