In the last 30 years, reporting on research activities has changed fundamentally not only in Germany but also in a number of other European countries. Given Germany's federal structure, a variety of local research information systems has emerged with different content, data definitions, legal standards, technical solutions, data formats, internal functions and data recipients.
New forms of governance, the increasing significance of third-party funding as well as the quest for more transparency in the use of public funds have created extensive reporting requirements for scientists and research institutes for the purpose of both international controlling and external evaluations. In order to meet these requests, universities and research institutions need to gather, hold and provide multiple data on research processes and activities.
The goal of the project is to develop a standardized specification of the recommendations on a research core dataset and its definitions that were developed by the German Council of Science and Humanities. They are centered on the issues of (scientific and non-scientific) personnel, third-party funding and projects, research prizes and awards, patents as well as publications. These areas might be complemented by information on editorships, membership in editorial boards, research spin-offs and licensing revenues. The specification of a research core dataset is sought to support universities and research institutions in the design and organization of their individual research information systems. This way, it contributes to the overall standardization of research data in Germany.
