News-Article

As part of the DataNord project, the DSC, together with QualiService, organized a full-day workshop for doctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Nele Fuchs provided hands-on insights into key aspects of research data management, data security, and the use of AI in research.

On November 20, 2025, the Data Science Center (DSC), in cooperation with the Research Data Center QualiService, hosted the full-day workshop How to Handle Your (Digital) Research Data Responsibly” for doctoral researchers from the DFG REsearch Training Group 2686 Contradiction Studies and the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Science (BIGSSS). The workshop was delivered within the framework of the BMFTR-funded data competence center DataNord.

The aim of the event was to familiarize participants with core concepts, requirements, and good practices in research data management (RDM) – from structured data organization to questions of reuse. Central to the session was the practical meaning of responsible data handling and how thoughtful RDM can make research projects more transparent and efficient.

From RDM basics to AI-supported workflows

Nele Fuchs, Data Scientist in the DataNord project, designed and delivered the workshop together with Michaela Rizzolli from QualiService. Alongside an introduction to fundamental RDM principles, Nele led the second main focus area on data security, data storage, and RDM in the context of AI systems. The program was complemented by insights into the use of AI in research, the specific challenges of working with qualitative data, and options for archiving and reusing research data.

The workshop combined theoretical foundations with concrete use cases and offered space for discussion around participants’ individual questions and doctoral projects.

Data literacy as a cornerstone of good scientific practice

For doctoral researchers increasingly working with digital, qualitative, or AI-supported methods, a solid understanding of data practices is a key component of good scientific practice. The workshop highlighted the importance of teaching RDM not as an abstract concept, but in direct connection with real research scenarios.

Through formats like this, the DSC brings data science expertise directly into doctoral training. At the same time, the needs and challenges discussed feed straight back into the ongoing development of the DSC’s and DataNord’s advisory and training programs – creating an important feedback loop between research practice and data-related support.

Interested in a workshop for your doctoral researchers?

If you have questions about data, research data management, or data science – or if you would like to offer a similar format for doctoral researchers in your graduate school or department – please feel free to contact our coordinator, Dr. Lena Steinmann. For further inspiration, take a look at our existing training portfolio.