Research data management is a key element of connected, transparent, and sustainably reusable research. This is particularly important where materials science questions are closely linked to energy-related applications. With the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), NFDI-MatWerk and NFDI4Energy have laid the foundation for a structured collaboration in this field.
The collaboration addresses an interface that is highly relevant to both communities: materials scientists working in energy research, or whose research results can contribute to energy applications. NFDI-MatWerk brings in the methodological perspective on data, processes, and standards in materials science and engineering. NFDI4Energy complements this perspective with its focus on energy research as a concrete field of application.
By combining these perspectives, the two consortia aim to create new opportunities for making research data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. At the same time, the collaboration supports the respective missions of both consortia and creates added value for the communities involved.
The MoU describes the planned areas of collaboration in research data management and was published on 21 April 2026. The full document is available here.
The signing marks an important step toward making targeted use of synergies between methodological expertise in materials science and an application-oriented perspective in energy research. NFDI-MatWerk and NFDI4Energy thank everyone involved for the constructive collaboration.