New data hub to facilitate the management of research data
“The data hub”, a new cross-functional collaborative organisation at KTH, is now fully operational. Its aim is to improve the conditions in which KTH’s researchers and teachers conduct excellent research by managing and sharing data more efficiently.
The KTH Digital Research Collaborative Hub, in short “the data hub”, was established on 1 January this year. It is led by Sebastiaan Meijer , Professor of Health Care Logistics and First Deputy Head of School at CBH, and reports to Annika Borgenstam , Vice President for Research.
'This is about a shift towards open science, where our researchers will be able to access and build upon previous data and results more easily. The data hub exists to support researchers in overcoming the practical challenges they face in managing research data,” Sebastiaan Meijer says.
The need for coordination
The research community is rapidly becoming digitised, moving towards a situation in which all data is processed and stored digitally. Therefore, the ability to manage data, as well as access to relevant digital services and infrastructure, is becoming increasingly important. At KTH, a need for support in this area was identified, leading Sebastiaan Meijer to establish the data hub: a cross-functional, virtual, collaborative organisation with an advisory role.
“Access to digital tools and services at KTH is fragmented. The Data Hub was launched in response to the need to create links between the parts that need to be coordinated, always with the researchers’ needs at the centre. The hub will offer concrete guidance, ensure compliance with all legal requirements, and connect researchers with similar needs”
The digital hub is aimed at KTH researchers and is led by the faculty in close collaboration with the university administration. Several KTH departments are involved, including the IT department, the Research Support Office and the research data team at the KTH Library.
Efficient and secure research data management
The data hub reduces costs and increases efficiency by helping researchers access the right tools from the start.
“We’re building a structure that will make it easy to do things right from the outset. It’s about both efficiency and secure data management. The data hub also reduces the risk of information being lost if someone leaves,” Annika Borgenstam says.
Open Science in the EU
The Swedish Research Council has announced that Sweden is joining the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), a European initiative that facilitates the sharing of research data. KTH has been a member of the EOSC since last year. The KTH Digital Research Collaborative Hub will strengthen KTH’s participation in the EOSC and related collaborations.
“The EU is investing heavily in open science, and making research data accessible is of great importance. The data hub contributes to this and will benefit Swedish research and enhance KTH’s impact,” Annika says.
Read more on the data hub’s website.
Please feel free to contact the data hub by emailing datahub-info@kth.se .
Text: Tora Zeijlon