Building a National Framework for Shared Research Data Management Services

Research data management (RDM) is essential to ensure that research data generated across all scientific discipline, from laboratory measurements and simulation data to interviews and observational studies, remain secure, well-documented, reproducible, and reusable. From 2023 to 2026, the Shared RDM Services & Infrastructure project supported Austrian universities in developing shared, reliable, and sustainable RDM services. Building on previous national initiatives, the project addressed the challenge that many institutions cannot independently establish and operate the full range of RDM services due to limited technical, organizational, and financial resources. By promoting collaboration instead of isolated institutional solutions, shared services enable universities to pool expertise and infrastructure, reduce duplication of effort, improve service quality, and provide researchers with broader access to professional RDM support. Beyond their immediate institutional and national benefits, the project's outcomes contribute to the broader European Open Science landscape. The developed operating models and governance approaches support participation in initiatives such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and provide an important foundation for FAIR and AI-ready research data as well as trustworthy artificial intelligence applications in science and research.