On January 15, 2025, the U Bremen Research Alliance (UBRA) invited participants to the Data-Train Kick-off event held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT). This year, around 200 participants attended both in person and online to learn more about the Data Train program and to connect with key actors from Bremen and fellow attendees. From January to May 2025, the Data Train Starter Track will offer an English-language lecture series covering essential topics in data literacy, research data management (RDM), and data science.

By Merle El-Khatib

15 Jan 2025

Panel discussion at the Data Train Kickoff   © Merle El-Khatib / U Bremen Research Alliance

The event kicked off with a welcome session led by Dr. Lina Schaare, coordinator of UBRA’s Data Train graduate program. She moderated an engaging panel discussion with the program’s spokespersons: Prof. Dr. Iris Pigeot, Prof. Dr. Frank Oliver Glöckner, and Prof. Dr. Rolf Drechsler. Together, they also form the leadership team for UBRA’s Lead Project Research Data Management (RDM) and Data Science.

Panel discussion participants (f.l.t.r): Dr. Tanja Hörner, Prof. Dr. Frank Oliver Glöckner, Prof. Dr. Iris Pigeot, Prof. Dr. Rolf Drechsler, Dr. Lina Schaare   © Merle El-Khatib / U Bremen Research Alliance

Prof. Dr. Iris Pigeot, co-spokesperson of the NFDI4Health consortium and initiator of the Data Train program, shared insights into how the training initiative was developed. She highlighted Bremen’s pioneering role in research data management, a role the region continues to excel in today.

Prof. Dr. Frank Oliver Glöckner, who also serves as a spokesperson for the NFDI4Biodiversity consortium, provided an overview of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) and explained the importance of FAIR data. He stressed that without proper RDM, valuable research data can be lost over the years, potentially leading to redundant studies on the same research questions. In today’s digital world, efficient RDM is indispensable. He outlined that effective RDM covers the entire data lifecycle and includes ensuring that data is FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. In addition to sound RDM practices, Glöckner emphasized the need for competencies in applying data science methods to analyze data effectively. The strong involvement of the University of Bremen and other UBRA members in ten NFDI consortia demonstrates Bremen’s high level of expertise in RDM and data science.

Prof. Dr. Rolf Drechsler, who also serves as a spokesperson for the Data Science Center at the University of Bremen, provided insights into the growing importance of data literacy and RDM in academic education. He noted that the Data Train program has been successfully established and is well-received: "We are satisfied with the current offers — both in terms of participant numbers and feedback. There’s no need to fundamentally change the program. It’s working exceptionally well.” However, Drechsler also pointed out that expanding offers in data literacy for the undergraduate level would be beneficial, as raising awareness about data handling is becoming increasingly important.

Dr. Tanja Hörner und Dr. Lena Steinmann   © Merle El-Khatib / U Bremen Research Alliance

This “Bremen Approach” is further strengthened 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 range of services offered by DataNord to enhance data literacy and networking opportunities for researchers across various career stages. The offerings include further development of the Data Train program, targeted training sessions, Data Hacks, summer schools, a help desk, and subject-specific data science consultations. All DataNord services are available free of charge, with a monthly newsletter keeping the community informed about upcoming training and networking opportunities.

Get on board the Data Train!   © Merle El-Khatib / U Bremen Research Alliance

Dr. Lina Schaare presented the current structure of the Data Train program.

The event concluded with a get-together, providing participants with the opportunity to ask questions about the program in personal conversations.

Data Train is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.