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Information & Data Science

From research into the tiniest constituents of matter on Earth to the view of our planet from outer space via satellite images, Helmholtz scientists collect huge quantities of data every day.

These data are the guarantor of our cutting-edge research: They inspire our teams to constantly develop new, creative research approaches and provide the knowledge from which we develop innovative solutions to the central questions of our time.

The use of state-of-the-art systems for data analysis, such as artificial intelligence, big data or innovative imaging methods, is a matter of course for us. Our researchers have enormous expertise in data processing and can access an extremely powerful IT infrastructure. We are constantly acquiring new, even more precise data through the operation of large-scale scientific equipment: From satellites, which we equip with specially developed measuring instruments, to accelerator facilities that are in high demand internationally, to supercomputers of the highest international class. Large-scale facilities allow extremely complex simulations, for example, for extensive climate models.

Our highly specialized IT experts ensure that we can make optimal use of this unique environment for our research. IT staff facilitate access to relevant data for our scientists, initiate IT-driven research projects, network databases and develop innovative software. At the same time, they protect our networks against misuse from outside and reliably implement the rules of data protection. More about the activities in the area of Information & Data Science:  

The Helmholtz Incubator

Outstanding experts from all Helmholtz Centers come together in this think tank and drive forward future-oriented research with innovative projects and initiatives.

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Information & Data Science Pilot Projects

The incubator catalyzes the development of pioneering projects that transcend the usual disciplinary and research field boundaries.

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Helmholtz Information & Data Science Academy (HIDA) & Forschungsschulen

The Helmholtz Information & Data Science Academy (HIDA) serves as a community-wide unifying element for the Helmholtz Information & Data Science Schools. HIDA and the Schools offer attractive programs for PhD students and postdocs.

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Helmholtz Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Unit (HAICU)

Helmholtz is investing heavily in a pioneering network for artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Helmholtz Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Unit (HAICU) consists of a central unit, HAICU Central, at Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU) and five local units at other Helmholtz centers (HAICU local).

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Helmholtz Federated IT Services (HIFIS)

With Helmholtz Federated IT Services (HIFIS), the Helmholtz Association offers researchers a fast network between Helmholtz centers, cloud services and support in software development. Helmholtz thus creates the basis for cutting-edge research projects and new research collaborations.

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Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration (HMC)

The goal of the Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration is to meet the increasing demands on research data documentation and the handling of them. It should be possible to access data even after years (to keep research data "alive") and to make it accessible and usable for interested parties from different disciplines.

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Helmholtz Imaging Platform (HIP)

It is essential for all fields of modern research to master imaging techniques and intelligent methods for analyzing image data. The platform for image data technologies HIP aims to strengthen Helmholtz as a leading provider, developer and scientific user of pioneering technology in the field of scientific imaging and image analysis.

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Helmholtz Data Federation (HDF)

The Helmholtz Data Federation HDF is a strategic initiative of the Helmholtz Association that addresses one of the major challenges of the next decade: Managing the flood of data in science, especially from the large research infrastructures of the Helmholtz centers.

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Strategic Initiatives

Sören Wiesenfeldt

Head of Department Research
Helmholtz Association

Jacqueline Bender

Project and Process Manager Strategic Initiatives
Helmholtz Association

Nadja Danilenko

Senior Adviser Helmholtz Metadata and HIFIS/Strategic Initiatives
Helmholtz Association

Florian Grötsch

Senior Adviser Helmholtz AI and Helmholtz Imaging/Strategic Initiatives
Helmholtz Association

Digitalization strategy of the Helmholtz Association

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