HMC Community Survey 2021

Metadata annotation guarantees sustainability of research data as it ensures their long-term findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability. Within the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration (HMC) coordinates the mission to enrich Helmholtz-based research data with metadata by providing (information about) technical solutions, consultations and ensuring uniform scientific standards for the use of metadata. <br>
In 2021 HMC conducted its first community survey to align its services with the needs of Helmholtz researchers. A question catalogue, with 49 (sub-)questions based on an expertise-adaptive approach, was designed and disseminated among researchers in all six Helmholtz research fields. 631 completed survey replies were obtained for analysis. <br>
The HMC Community Survey 2021 provides insight into the management of research data as well as the data publication practices of researchers in the Helmholtz Association. The characterization of research-field-dependent communities will enable HMC to further develop targeted, community-driven support for the documentation of research data with metadata.