Introduction
The NFDI4Chem knowledge base provides information and recommendations to digitalise all key steps of chemical research to support scientists in their efforts to collect, store, process, analyse, publish, and reuse research data. This knowledge base is inspired by RDMkit but has been tailored specifically towards Chemists as end-users.
Actions to promote Open Science and Research Data Management in accordance with the FAIR data principles are presented by everyday users and range from planning and implementation to publication and reuse.
Why is RDM important for chemistry?
Research Data Management in chemistry is currently not systematically organised and individual solutions of single institutions lead to low visibility, accessibility, and usability of research results. The added value of preserving and researching scientific data in chemistry is particularly high because the significance of the data is often immortal, hence, older data can be reused for current investigations. In most cases, it is even mandatory to be able to access older data, since experimental data or complex simulation data in particular can only be regenerated with great effort.
Main motivations for RDM in chemistry are:
- to prevent the loss of data and ensure data security
- to warrant long-term availability of research data
- to accelerate retrieval of data and information
- to enhance transparency, reproducibility allow verifiability of research findings
- to boost sustainability by saving time and resources
- to enable data reuse in new research projects
At least and most importantly a loss of previously acquired data is always an irretrievable loss of knowledge.
Navigation through knowledge base
The knowledge base offers different points of entry that help you in navigating the site and simplify the targeted search for information. Start learning more about RDM by selecting a domain or role, viewing the handling data articles, or finding information about electronic lab notebooks as part of a smartlab. Information on the publication of data is also provided.
Domain-specific information
The domain pages present an exemplary workflow for different chemistry disciplines along the research data life cycle. Multiple domains are illustrated in a user profile. Guidelines are provided for all digitisation steps involved and domain-specific best practices for FAIR data are given. Find out how to apply good RDM and FAIR science in the context of your own specific discipline!
Role-specific information
The role pages focus on the motivation for role-specific requirements and answer the questions why RDM is important and how it can be implemented. Get a fast impression of all important RDM information related to your role!
Handling data
The handling data section explains common problems and challenges regarding RDM. Problematic aspects of data handling are considered, starting with the creation of data management plans, data organisation and data documentation. Moreover, aspects on data storage and archiving are also covered.
Smartlab
To enable fully digital workflows in chemistry, the development and provision of a modular virtual laboratory environment with concepts, services and software (smartlab) is essential. Electronic lab notebooks are an important part of the smartlab, as well as integration of analytical instrumentation and data transfer to repositories.
Data Publishing
In this category on data publishing you will find all the important information on the topic of data publishing. This includes the motivation to publish research data, paths to publish data, recommendations for research data repositories to be used, best practices and aspects of machine actionability.
