The FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) have become established as guiding principles for sustainable research data management.

Research data management at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

The basis for research data management at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is the policy adopted on 30 November 2022 Guidelines on the Handling of Research Data (PDF). A set of guidelines complements this policy and is intended to provide guidance on the handling of research data. Since 2024, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences has been a member of the NFDI e.V. and, since 2025, as part of the in.RET consortium NFDI4Energy connected.

A good introduction to FDM is provided by a presentation on the basics of research data management, which was developed at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with researchers.

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Key information, guidance documents and supporting materials for researchers and staff involved in the „Research Data Management“ process are available at BIC process portal ...are provided. Based on the research data lifecycle, the various aspects of RDM—such as the data management plan (DMP), conventions and tips for file naming, and guidance on selecting a repository—are addressed. Sample DMPs for both departments, as well as links to further information and helpful tools, round off the material provided in the process.

The joint project FDM-HAW Competence Cluster Jena–Erfurt–Nordhausen–Schmalkalden (FDM-HAWK)

The process and materials were developed as part of the joint project FDM-HAW Competence Cluster Jena–Erfurt–Nordhausen–Schmalkalden (FDM-HAWK) which Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences participated in as an independent sub-project from 2023 to 2025. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and supported by NextGenerationEU, the project (grant number 16FDFH107A-D) aimed to lay the foundations for research data management at Thuringia’s universities of applied sciences.

In collaboration with the university-based Thuringian Competence Network for Research Data Management (TKFDM) Technical, organisational and subject-specific requirements and guidelines for application-oriented research data management were agreed upon, developed and refined.

For example, interesting Podcast episodes on FDM produced in German and English at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. It’s well worth a listen.

A detailed Recommendations for research data management was developed at Erfurt University of Applied Sciences. It is available via the Thuringia Digital Library and provides fundamental knowledge on FDM, which can also be utilised by the other institutions involved in the project.

At Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena, concepts and guidelines have been developed, such as a Guidelines for the publication and archiving of research data.

The Thuringian Competence Network for Research Data Management (TKFDM)

The following applies to all universities and higher education institutions in Thuringia: Thuringian Competence Network for Research Data Management (TKFDM) will act as a point of contact for questions regarding data management plans, data organisation and related matters. The website contains a wealth of useful information, resources and details of upcoming events.

The editorial team of the Thuringian Repository for Research Data REFODAT is provided by the TKFDM and can be used free of charge by researchers from Thuringia for the publication of their research datasets.

In addition, the technical connection to the Thuringian branch of the electronic laboratory notebook was also established for Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences eLabFTW implemented; support with implementation can be requested from the TKFDM.