Project leaders: Prof. Dr. Florian Jansen (University of Rostock), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kristina Yordanova (University of Greifswald)

In Z3 we will professionally manage the research data along the entire research data life cycle, i.e. from planning and data collection through analysis, visualization and sharing to archiving, publication and re-use. Our goal is to ensure the quality and productivity of WETSCAPES2.0 in terms of data management, but also to promote FAIR data and open, reproducible science. To achieve this, we will survey existing practices and conceptualize seamless workflows for WETSCAPES2.0 in a set of hierarchical data management plans. A comprehensive virtual research environment will be created to promote data acquisition, harmonisation and collaboration among partners. We will develop and implement automated methods to ensure the quality and reproducibility of the collected data following the FAIR principles (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse). We will provide a training and qualification program for reproducible research, open science and data management in collaboration with Z4 (WETSKILLS). All of these provisions will be implemented in collaboration with the local, joint research data management (RDM) teams including the IT centers and libraries, to ensure transfer and seamless integration into the existing infrastructure. In order to ensure the application of RDM best practices, domain-specific and RDM initiatives such as NFDI4BioDiv, NFDI4Earth, FAIRagro as well as the RDM state initiatives, the Research Data Alliance (RDA), and the Deutsche Initiative für Netzwerkinformation e.V. (DINI/nestor) will be taken into account in the conceptual design and implementation of the RDM solutions. Figure Z3.1 illustrates the framework in which Z3 is embedded for the collaborative design, adaptation and implementation of RDM best practices within WETSCAPES2.0.