New data competence center:
DKZ.2R Rhine-Ruhr Center for Scientific Data Literacy
The main objective of the DKZ.2R is to impart comprehensive methodological expertise in data science, machine learning, high-performance computing and research data management and to actively support researchers in their projects. In this way, a new generation of domain scientists is to emerge who are confident and data-savvy in all relevant methodological core areas and maintain an open, FAIR scientific attitude.
The DKZ.2R is based in the Rhineland and the Ruhr Regional Association. The core areas of the project include life and natural sciences, engineering, mathematics and computer science. It acts as a central point of contact and support for researchers at all career levels with regard to data-related issues. The aim is to offer individual and targeted consulting services, as well as education and training in various areas of data science.
In addition, the center strives to provide researchers with unprecedented networking opportunities both within and outside the DKZ. This includes the promotion of cooperative and interdisciplinary data analysis as well as the creation of new scientific methods. The DKZ.2R aims to increase the visibility of existing services and actively promote exchange with other relevant initiatives such as the NFDI or the National High Performance Computing network.
Opportunities for Researchers
As a central point of contact, the DKZ.2R offers a wide range of support and training opportunities for various stages of academic careers. These range from low-barrier training courses and professional development programs to individual counseling and academic guidance for specific research projects.
The offerings include, among other things, Data Cafés, research hackathons and Data Challenges, Research Tandems, and the development and integration of software tools. This gives researchers the opportunity to learn about new methods, gain practical experience, and tackle data-related questions together with experts and fellow researchers.
Another key focus is on networking. The DKZ.2R brings researchers together across disciplinary and institutional boundaries and creates spaces for the exchange of knowledge, methods, and experiences. In this way, the center supports collaborative and interdisciplinary data analysis and promotes the development of new scientific methods and approaches.
In addition, the DKZ.2R helps make existing resources and infrastructures more visible and accessible. Exchange and collaboration with relevant initiatives and research infrastructures—such as the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) and the National High-Performance Computing Network (NHR)—are specifically strengthened in this context.
The DKZ.2R is funded by the European Union and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).
For more information on the DKZ.2R: www.dkz2r.de
Participation of the University of Cologne and the ITCC in the DKZ.2R
The University of Cologne participates in DKZ.2R with three central institutions. These are involved in various work packages and measures. The ITCC contributes with its experience in operating and advising researchers, especially in the area of very large amounts of data from technical simulations or scientific experiments. A particular focus is on the user group of life sciences and physics.
In addition, the Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management (C3RDM), with its extensive experience in advising and supporting researchers in all disciplines, training formats and content, FAIR Data Management and the long-term archiving of data, is also integrated via the ITCC. The competence profile is complemented by the Center for Data and Simulation Science (CDS), which brings together the methodological expertise for the efficient handling of data and high-performance computing at the University of Cologne. The contributions in DKZ.2R can build on results, processes, tools and an extensive network.
Researchers of the ITCC in DKZ.2R
Stefan Wesner (project manager)
Florian Willems (C3RDM)
Axel Klawonn (CDS)
Jascha Knepper (CDS)
All project participants
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (project coordination)
- RWTH Aachen University
- Aachen University of Applied Sciences
- University of Cologne
- Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn
- Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS
- Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
- University of Duisburg-Essen