Strong together: North German researchers design OMICS data management!

Strong together: North German researchers design OMICS data management!

In an exciting meeting on June 5, 2025 at the Borstel Research Center, which is part of the Leibniz Lung Center, over 30 experts from 15 renowned institutions, including Hamburg, Rostock, Gießen and Ghent, came together to shape the future of research data management in the area of ​​OMICS data. This discipline includes essential analyzes of biological systems such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics. That's what she reports Idw online.

Under the motto “Together into the future” there was a lively discussion about how standardized solutions for sharing and archiving sequencing data can be developed. This event was organized by AG OMICS, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön and the Borstel Research Center, while the Schleswig-Holstein State Initiative for Research Data Management (FDM-SH) provided support. The discussions explored synergies between national and European infrastructures, including the NFDI consortia and ELIXIR.

Networking and further development

A central result of the meeting was the identification of missing common platforms for sequencing data, as well as the decision to jointly apply for research funding. Prof. Dr. Inken Wohlers, spokesperson for AG OMICS, and Dr. Carsten Fortmann-Grote from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology made a significant contribution to this initiative. The aim is to build a networked OMICS community in Northern Germany and to create sustainable solutions to the challenges of dealing with sequencing data.

But what does this actually mean for science? Responsible handling of research data is not just a buzzword, but an essential concern of science policy. Major research funders such as the BMBF and the European Research Council have recognized that careful research data management (RDM) 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 securely manages microscopy and other imaging data. This platform not only enables the sharing and analysis of image data, but also close cooperation with external partners. Information about accessing OMERO is currently available at the Charité, such as Charité executes.

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 going on and the signs point to collaboration and innovation. This brings us one step closer to the essential goal of promoting an integrative and sustainable research landscape.