KonsortSWD NFDI4Society Helpdesk – A Guide to the Research Data Infrastructure Network

Project Description

As part of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), the Helpdesk facilitates access to services and information concerning research data in the social, educational and behavioural sciences and economics. Guided by questions from users and needs, the Helpdesk draws on a broad network of research and infrastructure experts and forwards inquiries to the appropriate contact person or service.

Potential topics include access to or provision of research data, the ethically and legally compliant collection and sharing of research data and aspects of data documentation. Information about training sessions, guides and tools can also be requested through the help desk.

During the first funding phase, a technical infrastructure was implemented in collaboration with partners from KonsortSWD NFDI4Society and RatSWD, enabling users to make contact quickly and easily. Enquiries can thus be processed in a systematic and structured manner.  An initial version of a knowledge database was also set up in Forum4MICA for internal knowledge management purposes.

In the second funding phase, the services will be further developed, the helpdesk will be integrated into and established within the NFDI, and the network of experts will be expanded. The focus is on close collaboration with the other NFDI helpdesks as well as with other services and offers of the research data management infrastructure.

A monitoring process will be introduced to evaluate tickets used to document incoming inquiries. Based on this evaluation, needs in KonsortSWD’s infrastructures and services will be identified and further developed. The helpdesk will thus serve as a central point of access to services and information related to research data in the social, behavioural, educational, and economic sciences and beyond.

Project Objectives

• Expansion and maintenance of a knowledge base for research data management
• Further development of KonsortSWD services
• Expansion of the network of experts
• Increase of the visibility of the helpdesk among researchers and infrastructure partners
• Networking and permanent integration of the helpdesk within the NFDI

Funding

German Research Foundation

Cooperations

KonsortSWD – in particular GESIS, LIfBI, GWDG, WZB and RatSWD Office

Project Management

Project Team

• Alexia Meyermann
• Stefanie Psczolla
• Anna Thaut

Project Details