Research data should be findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable in the long term in accordance with the FAIR principles ("Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable").

However, the more the readability and comprehensibility of research data is dependent on external applications and systems, the more quickly it becomes unreadable and therefore unusable. An appealing data presentation is important. However, the curation of presentation applications is often very time-consuming and, once a research project has been completed, there is usually neither time nor money left to ensure the long-term operation of such applications. Accordingly, the readability and comprehensibility of research data must not depend on such applications and systems. Without continuous personnel expenditure for software and web applications

Data in well-documented data formats last for decades,

Data that requires specific software lasts for years,

Data that requires a web app, months.

This is why research data should always be well documented and made accessible in open data formats. Simple and sustainable!

The DCH supports you in

- designing and implementing a research project that is as technology-independent as possible,

- the selection of suitable data formats or necessary format migrations

- as well as appropriate and subject-specific documentation of your research data.

We support you in every phase of your project. However, the earlier you contact us, the better and more extensive the support we can provide.

For optimal and efficient advice and support regarding the longevity and maintenance of your research data, we are available to you in the current situation by e-mail or video conference. You can reach us easily and conveniently via info-dch(at)uni-koeln.de.