Helmholtz Information & Data Science
Our knowledge thrives on data: Through the Helmholtz Information & Data Science Framework, we connect experts, supercomputers, algorithms, data resources, and services—a structure unique in Germany in the field of information and data science.
From satellites and particle accelerators to supercomputers, we utilize this infrastructure to efficiently analyze data and translate it into innovative solutions—for example, in fields such as artificial intelligence, software development, and robotics.
The Helmholtz Information & Data Science Framework
The overarching Helmholtz Information & Data Science Framework drives innovation by bringing together subject-matter experts with specialists in artificial intelligence, imaging techniques, data management, and advanced computing infrastructures from all 18 Helmholtz Centers. It creates unique spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration, provides modern research and support structures, tools, and services for data-driven research, and trains a new generation of data scientists who will shape the future. The framework supports Helmholtz researchers and centers, as well as their national and international partners, in developing and implementing groundbreaking ideas, responding to emerging trends, and initiating new projects.
The Helmholtz Information & Data Science Incubator Workshop
Since 2016, the framework has inspired new ideas and accelerated collaborations through incubator workshops and a dynamic project development process linked to them. The workshop plays a key strategic role, as it is the setting in which forward-looking digital research activities take shape. Groundbreaking initiatives such as HAICORE (Helmholtz AI Computing Initiative), the Helmholtz Model Zoo, and the Helmholtz Foundation Model Initiative were conceived within the incubator workshop framework and continue to advance within it.
Strategic Initiatives and Calls for Proposals
Through targeted calls for proposals in the fields of artificial intelligence, HMC, and imaging, the Helmholtz Association has funded approximately 140 community-wide projects, established dynamic communities, and fostered innovative topics and collaborations.
In addition, initiative-based calls for proposals serve to strengthen key future fields within the Helmholtz Association:
Helmholtz Foundation Model Initiative (HFMI) – Development and application of foundation models for scientific applications aimed at solving complex research questions
UNLOCK – Building open, high-quality AI benchmark datasets to promote reproducible and trustworthy AI
ScienceServe – Promoting sustainable, high-quality research software as the foundation for scientific excellence
The Helmholtz Information & Data Science Platforms
A network of five specialized platforms forms the backbone of the Helmholtz Information & Data Science ecosystem. They offer digital services and expertise in AI research, consulting, methodology development, imaging, metadata management, as well as technical infrastructure, cloud, and software solutions.
With the Helmholtz Information & Data Science Academy (HIDA) and the graduate schools, Helmholtz offers its own training program for doctoral students and researchers that combines AI and data science with domain-specific expertise.
Together, the platforms promote cross-center collaboration and accelerate scientific innovation through synergies.
All offerings and services are available on the respective platform websites and in our brochure.
Contact
Dr. Sören Wiesenfeldt
Head of Department Research
Helmholtz Association
Dr. Michael Schmuker
Head of Unit Information and Data Science
Helmholtz Association
Florian Grötsch
Manager Information and Data Science
Helmholtz Association
Elisabeth Jaumann
Manager Information and Data Science
Helmholtz Association
Inna Vydolob
Project- and Processmanager
Helmholtz Association
