From March 19-21, the Max Planck Digital Library (MPDL) hosted its 6th Research Data Management (RDM) workshop, at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg. This gathering united colleagues from Max Planck Institutes across Germany, creating a vibrant forum for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in RDM.

The workshop started with an onboarding course in Research Data Management, setting the stage for insightful discussions that followed. Over the next two days, participants explored RDM activities from various institutes, engaging deeply with topics such as software licensing, RDM policies, Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs), and data protection issues. Contributions from speakers representing the Fraunhofer Society, Leibniz Association, and Helmholtz Association broadened the discussions, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and tools related to RDM.
A unique feature of this year's workshop was its venue - the planetarium within the House of Astronomy at the MPIA. This inspiring setting was not just a backdrop but a central part of the event, with a keynote talk on the use of Artificial Intelligence in Astronomy, a guided tour of the historical astronomical observatory, and engaging presentations at the planetarium.

A big thank you to all the contributors, and the MPIA, for its invitation and organization that made this event a memorable experience. The collaborative spirit and shared insights have once again highlighted the workshop as a cornerstone event for fostering RDM practices within the Max Planck Society. The 6th RDM workshop has underscored the MPDL's commitment to advancing research data management within the Max Planck Society, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in this evolving field.

More info:
RDM Homepage