Together strong: North German researchers design omics data management!

Together strong: North German researchers design omics data management!

In an exciting meeting on June 5, 2025 in the Borstel research center, which belongs to the Leibniz Lung Center, over 30 experts came together from 15 renowned institutions, including Hamburg, Rostock, Gießen and Ghent, to shape the future of research data management in the field of OMICS data. This discipline includes essential analyzes of biological systems such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics. The IDW Online .

Under the motto "Together in the future", it was lively discussed how standardized solutions for sharing and archiving sequencing data can be developed. This event was organized by the AG OMICS, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön and the Borstel research center, while the State Initiative Research Data Management Schleswig-Holstein (FDM-SH) supported. As part of the discussions, synergies were explored between national and European infrastructures, including the NFDI consortiums and Elixir.

networking and further development

A central result of the meeting was the identification of a lack of common platforms for sequencing data, as well as the decision on the community application for research funding. Prof. Dr. Inken Wohlers, spokeswoman for AG Omics, and Dr. Carsten Fortmann-Grote from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology contributed significantly to this initiative. The aim is to set up a networked Omics community in northern Germany and the creation of sustainable solutions for the challenges in dealing with sequencing data.

But what does that mean specifically for science? Responsible handling of research data is not just a keyword, but an essential concern of science policy. Large research sponsors such as the BMBF and the European Research Council have recognized that careful research data management (FDM) promotes scientific progress. The FDM includes planning, data preparation, storage, archiving and publication according to fixed rules. The Fau Competence Center for Research Data and Information supports researchers in these important aspects.

technological innovative strength

Another aspect related to research data management is the use of modern technologies. An example of this is Omero Plus, a client server platform that manages microscopy and other image data safely. This platform not only enables sharing and analysis of image data, but also close cooperation with external partners. Information about access to Omero is currently available at the Charité, such as Charité

The clear goal of these initiatives and platforms is to increase the visibility and efficiency of research and to strengthen sustainability in science. The coming months can be seen as a kind of catalyst for the establishment of standards in research data management and for networking within the OMICS community. There is something and the signs are on cooperation and innovation. In doing so, we get one step closer to the essential goal of promoting an integrative and sustainable research landscape.