IFU DataInitiative
Our team regularly organises workshops and events that bring together researchers, technicians, and other potential users of research data and software tools. We believe that efficient data management, research software engineering, and data-driven methods can only be truly effective when developed in close collaboration with the scientific community. These interactive formats not only offer training in state-of-the-art tools and best practices but also serve as a central platform to communicate ongoing developments, introduce new solutions, and gather feedback. In doing so, we ensure our work remains practical, relevant, and aligned with the needs of its users.
In order to streamline the organisation of these events and tailor the content to the need of our different users, we developed three different formats:
- The Data Science Clinic
- The IFU Research Marketplace
- Training Courses & Workshops
More information on each of these formats can be found below.
Data Science Clinic
Within the Data Science Clinic, we offer monthly learning and exchange sessions designed to support researchers in applying data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to a wide range of environmental research challenges. These sessions are structured in diverse and engaging formats, including hands-on workshops and short tool demonstrations.
A strong emphasis is placed on open and reproducible science, with training opportunities on essential tools such as GitLab/GitHub, Zenodo, RADAR4KIT, and best practices in research software development. Through these activities, the initiative fosters a supportive community of practice, helping researchers grow their technical skills and access expert consultation when needed.
All activities are aligned with institutional goals, particularly the implementation of FAIR principles, and offer guided learning pathways with the option to earn certificates for completed modules.
For more information, please visit our Data Science Clinic Repository.
IFU Research Marketplace
The IFU Research Marketplace fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting PhD students, postdocs, and group leaders across research groups at IFU. Through regular sessions, participants can pitch small research project ideas—perfect for exploring datasets, testing new methods, or laying the groundwork for future grant proposals. Whether you’re looking for support with data analysis, applying machine learning techniques, or improving your research workflow with open and FAIR practices, the sessions are open to all. The DataInitiative team provides hands-on support, helping with project coordination, technical infrastructure, and the promotion of open, reproducible science throughout the research process.
Training Courses & Workshops
The DataInitiative organizes trainings, workshops and hackathons for different user-groups particularly in the fields of
- open and reproducible science
- modern research software engineering
- research data management
- data science / ML / data driven methods
The organisation of these workshops is carried out in close collaboration with the KIT ATMOHub and the IFU Talent Management in order to tailor the contents to the specific needs of our researchers, our institute, and the broader strategic goals of KIT and Helmholtz. This collaborative approach helps us ensure that participants are trained in state-of-the-art tools, methods, and best practices—empowering them to enhance their technical competencies, interdisciplinary collaboration skills, and career development, both within and beyond academic research environments.