Data Train Kick-off 2024

As the deputy Speaker of the UBRA Lead Project on Research Data Management and Data Science and the initiator of the Data Train program, Prof. Dr. Iris Pigeot greeted the attendees and expressed her pleasure at the continued high interest in the “Data Train” training program. Dr. Volker Zöllmer, deputy Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, also warmly welcomed the participants and introduced the hosting institute.

The Speaker of the UBRA Lead Project on Research Data Management and Data Science, Prof. Dr. Frank Oliver Glöckner, took the participants on a journey from the beginnings of RDM to the development of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). He highlighted the loss of valuable data over decades due to inadequate RDM, often leading to repeated investigation of the same research questions. Thus, good RDM is indispensable in a digitalized world, leading to result-oriented and efficient science. Good RDM covers the entire data lifecycle, notably including the collection of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data. Besides RDM competencies, there is also a need for skills in applying data science methods for innovative data evaluation. The strong involvement of the University of Bremen and other UBRA members in ten NFDI consortia demonstrates Bremen’s expertise in RDM and Data Science.

This “Bremen Approach” will be consolidated and expanded in the coming years through “DataNord”, the regional data competency center of Bremen, funded since November 2023 by the BMBF and financed by the European Union - NextGenerationEU. Dr. Tanja Hörner and Dr. Lena Steinmann, coordinators of the joint project, presented the goals of DataNord, which will offer various opportunities to significantly enhance the data competencies and networking possibilities of Bremen's researchers at different career stages. The offerings include further development of the DataTrain program, targeted trainings, Data-Hacks, Summer Schools, a help desk, and specialized Data Science consultations.

Dr. Maya Dalby, Coordinator of the UBRA Lead Project on RDM and Data Science, presented the Data Train program. Data Train, an interdisciplinary training program, was initiated in 2019 to meet the tremendous need for skills and abilities in the areas of RDM and Data Science and to enhance data competencies among researchers. Dr. Tanja Hörner coordinated the development and implementation of the curriculum, along with a team of intrinsically motivated educators, predominantly from UBRA member institutions. This year, Data Train enters its 4th round, starting as always with the Starter Track, a series of overview lectures open to all interested in RDM and Data Science.

To properly inaugurate the Starter Track and dive straight into the subject of Data Science, the event concluded with a Data Story “Beautiful insights — The art and science of data visualization” by Moritz Stefaner, the founder of "Truth and Beauty". He impressively demonstrated how to visualize data in various creative and new ways using creativity and data competencies: from interactive, complex platforms to sculptures and food as means of presenting data. He emphasized that, in addition to creative visualization, it's always important to maintain truth and critical thinking.

The event concluded with a subsequent get-together, where all questions about the current Data Train program could be discussed in personal conversations.