Knowledge Lab for Natural Science Collections and Object-Centred Data

Scientific collections are an inexhaustible source of knowledge and can be used to answer fundamental questions about the history of the earth and humanity. Networking fundamentally different sources of information from this area even makes it possible to draw conclusions about development and thus answer current questions driven by the challenges of the 21st century. However, this requires innovative and multi-perspective approaches that are not yet being implemented by the majority of researchers due to a lack of technological expertise. The proposed project aims to remedy this and establish a nationally and internationally visible data competence centre for data-driven research on natural science collections in Berlin that transcends disciplinary and geographical boundaries. The Knowledge Lab for Natural Science Collections and Object-Centred Data (WiNoDa) combines the expertise of object-related research at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and the German Archaeological Institute. Strengthened by other partners (Gesellschaft für Biologische Daten e.V., the Networking and Competence Centre Open Access Brandenburg, the Zuse Institute Berlin and the GBV's Network Centre (VZG)), the knowledge lab aims to strengthen the acquisition and expansion of skills for the entire field of work and research, from data collection, evaluation and analysis to publication and long-term availability. In co-creation with scientists and through consultation with a user representation, appropriate learning content and formats are to be created and made available in the long term via a learning environment. These vary from basic courses to methodologically orientated in-depth courses with practical exercise units (virtual or physical). In addition to the acquisition of skills, the aim is to create opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research using a resilient computing infrastructure. Integrated into national and international networks, WiNoDa promotes the networking of researchers from different disciplines, small and medium-sized enterprises and, through the mediation of public engagement and open science formats, better integration of society into the complex, data-driven science of research collections.