The Data Train cross-disciplinary graduate training programme, a core element of the NFDI4Health training approach, aims at building the next generation of data-savvy researchers in the biomedical sciences. The starter track will also be offered in 2025.

Data Train starts its next round in January 2025: Register now

Researchers, but also allied professionals in the biomedical and health fields need the skills to manage research data in a structured way, and to take the steps from contextualising data to gaining knowledge and to making informed decisions. This ensures transparency, quality, reproducibility, and compliance with regulatory requirements. To equip the researchers with the appropriate understanding and the necessary skills in research data management (RDM) and data science, NFDI4Health offers a modular, reusable training programme that is tailored to different audiences based on the FAIR principles for data stewardship. A central component of this approach is to provide doctoral researchers with a broad grounding in RDM and data science, coupled with a practical and group-oriented immersion in data stewardship or data science or both.

The U Bremen Research Alliance, with the support of the State of Bremen, has established the Data Train cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary training programme for doctoral researchers from its member institutions. Data Train's mission is to strengthen basic skills in data literacy, RDM and data science, while providing a platform for doctoral researchers to build an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional network. The nine NFDI consortia represented in Bremen, including NFDI4Health, are involved in the development and delivery of the courses. In return, courses are opened for the NFDI-communities whenever possible.

Since 2021, the Data Train programme has been taking place every year. In total, more than 4,833 participants have attended the training programme and have been awarded a certificate. In the 2025 session, NFDI4Health is contributing two experts: Prof. Dr. Iris Pigeot and Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker.

The highly successful Data Train covers the entire data value chain, fosters an interdisciplinary perspective, and makes an important contribution to data literacy training for science. Data Train is designed to showcase best and discipline-specific practices through data stories. It is also open to external collaboration. NFDI4Health is working with Data Train to provide a reusable and adaptable version of the training programme with health-specific add-ons.