Standardized Data Literacy and Research Data Management Competencies in the Physics Curriculum in Universities

In recent years, the field of physics is part of a transformation shaped by the rapid growth of data-driven research methods as well as vast and complex datasets which are now an integral part of advancing knowledge. High-quality data are also a key prerequisite for artificial intelligence being part of future research, a new era which is called the 4th paradigm of science. In order to be part of it, students and researchers alike must acquire and exercise novel skills of data literacy (DL) and research data management (RDM). DL encompasses a broad range of competencies, from data generation and storage to analysis, interpretation, and ethical and legal aspects of data sharing. For physics students, this skill set is essential. It enables them to understand and leverage data responsibly, ensuring their work is sustainable, reproducible and valuable within the broader scientific community. RDM further enhances these competencies by focusing on best practices for managing data across its lifecycle. There is broad consensus that data should be organized along the FAIR principles, ensuring Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability. All of these competencies are intricately linked to and ultimately part of good scientific practice. The document highlights key integration points across Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral levels to equip students with the data skills needed to succeed in both academic and professional environments.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-06-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20850995
Primary Topic
Research Data Management Practices
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Standardized Data Literacy and Research Data Management Competencies in the Physics Curriculum in Universities

Heiko B. Weber, M. Krieger, C. D. Burgard, FAIRmat et al.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Research Data Management Practices
preprint

Standardized Data Literacy and Research Data Management Competencies in the Physics Curriculum in Universities

Heiko B. Weber, M. Krieger, C. D. Burgard, FAIRmat, DAPHNE4NFDI, PUNCH4NFDI
preprint en

Abstract

In recent years, the field of physics is part of a transformation shaped by the rapid growth of data-driven research methods as well as vast and complex datasets which are now an integral part of advancing knowledge. High-quality data are also a key prerequisite for artificial intelligence being part of future research, a new era which is called the 4th paradigm of science. In order to be part of it, students and researchers alike must acquire and exercise novel skills of data literacy (DL) and research data management (RDM). DL encompasses a broad range of competencies, from data generation and storage to analysis, interpretation, and ethical and legal aspects of data sharing. For physics students, this skill set is essential. It enables them to understand and leverage data responsibly, ensuring their work is sustainable, reproducible and valuable within the broader scientific community. RDM further enhances these competencies by focusing on best practices for managing data across its lifecycle. There is broad consensus that data should be organized along the FAIR principles, ensuring Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability. All of these competencies are intricately linked to and ultimately part of good scientific practice. The document highlights key integration points across Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral levels to equip students with the data skills needed to succeed in both academic and professional environments.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (DE), TU Dortmund University (DE)
Quality Education
Research Data Management Practices
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Standardized Data Literacy and Research Data Management Competencies in the Physics Curriculum in Universities — Heiko B. Weber, M. Krieger, et al. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS