Consultation Services
For researchers of all disciplines
Contact our interdisciplinary help desk and receive advice on all stages of the data lifecycle. Use our services already during the application phase as well as throughout the research process. Our team supports you with questions related to data management and data science.
Our service is aimed at researchers of all career stages and qualification levels – regardless of whether you work with large or small datasets.
The service is free of charge for employees of the University of Bremen, the non-university institutes of the U Bremen Research Alliance or other DataNord partners.
Representation of the data lifecycle. Adapted from RDMkit by ELIXIR-CONVERGE. You can find further information about the individual stages via the link.
What we offer: Support from application to research project
Our team offers comprehensive advice and practical support for researchers to optimize the management and analysis of their data. From the creation and implementation of data management plans (DMPs) to the application of advanced data science methods — we are here to assist you every step of the way.
We provide support on three levels: Level 1 – Exploration (brief consultation), Level 2 – Guidance (ongoing project support), and Level 3 – Realization (“Rent an Expert”).
Level 1 - Exploration
Basic support during the application process or research phase, typically through 1–2 consultation sessions.
Example 1 – Introduction to FAIR Principles and Data Management Plans: A researcher would like an initial overview of the FAIR principles and needs support creating a basic DMP for a new project proposal. In a consultation, our data expert explains the fundamentals of the FAIR principles, their significance, and how to apply them in research projects. They assist with structuring the DMP and provide concrete recommendations for integrating the FAIR principles.
Example 2 – Exploring New Analysis Methods: A researcher wants to find out which analysis methods are best suited for their data. In a consultation, our data expert introduces various statistical procedures and machine learning methods that might be relevant for analyzing their specific datasets. The expert explains basic techniques such as linear regression, decision trees, and clustering methods. Additionally, the researcher receives recommendations on software tools like R and Python, as well as initial steps for applying these methods to their own data.
Example 3 – Increasing the Visibility of Your Research: A researcher wants to enhance the visibility of their research results. In a consultation, our data expert explains how proper archiving and publication of research data can contribute to greater visibility. The expert provides advice on using data repositories that ensure high findability and accessibility, and shows how to correctly create and maintain metadata to guarantee data reusability. The researcher also receives tips on creating data visualizations and documenting data to increase the appeal and clarity of their research outputs.
Level 2 - Guidance
Tailored support for specific questions or tasks related to data management and/or data analysis during the application phase and/or research process through regular meetings over several weeks or months.
Example 1 – Strategic Advice on Data Management Planning: A research team is planning a large project and needs support implementing a comprehensive data management strategy or DMP during the research process. Our data expert helps develop secure storage and documentation methods and advises on long-term archiving. Over several weeks or months, the expert supports the team with topics such as data integration and implementing metadata standards through regular consultations and feedback. Specific training sessions for project participants can also be conducted.
Example 2 – Extensive Support for Data Analysis: A researcher wants to carry out a thorough data analysis to identify patterns and trends in their datasets. Our data expert provides advisory support, assisting with data preprocessing as well as the selection and application of advanced statistical techniques or AI methods. Over several months, the expert offers specific recommendations and answers questions in regular consultation sessions. Topics such as meaningful data visualization and result interpretation can also be discussed.
Example 3 – Quality Assurance of Data Interpretation: A research team wants to ensure the quality of their data interpretations and results. Our expert supports the team through regular meetings where specific techniques for validating and verifying results are taught and discussed. This includes methods to ensure data quality, techniques for error detection and correction, and strategies for reproducibility. The expert also provides feedback on the applied analysis methods and helps optimize data interpretation to guarantee meaningful and reliable results.
Level 3 - Realization
Intensive collaboration within a research project, where the DSC expert is directly and actively involved in essential parts of the project such as data management and/or data analysis. Following the “Rent an Expert” concept, the expert works closely with the project team and takes on key tasks to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Example 1 – Implementation of a Data Management Strategy: A research team is planning a long-term project involving large datasets and requires comprehensive support in implementing a data management strategy. The DSC expert is integrated into the project and takes responsibility for key aspects of developing and executing the DMP. This includes designing secure storage solutions, establishing data integration processes, and implementing metadata standards. The expert works closely with the project team to ensure that all data management aspects are optimally aligned with project goals and that data is efficiently managed throughout its lifecycle.
Example 2 – Conducting Complex Data Analyses: A research team is working on a project that requires analysis of complex datasets to identify significant patterns and trends. Our expert is integrated into the team and actively contributes to data preprocessing, the selection and implementation of advanced statistical methods, and/or the application of machine learning techniques. The expert performs analysis tasks and actively participates in interpreting and visualizing results for publications. Through close collaboration, the expert ensures that data analysis is precise and yields actionable scientific insights.
Example 3 – Coordinated Support from Proposal to Project Completion: A research team needs support from the application phase through to the conclusion of a complex data science research project. The DSC expert is involved from the start and takes on key responsibilities throughout all project phases. This includes contributing to the project proposal with detailed data management and analysis plans, ongoing monitoring and adjustment of data processing workflows during the project, as well as final validation, documentation, and publication of results. The expert works closely with the team to ensure all project goals are met and that the research outcomes are of high quality and relevance.
Not sure which support suits you?
No problem! Just get in touch with our team for an initial consultation or contact your subject-specific expert directly!
Reach out to us
Get in touch directly with your subject-specific expert or send an e-mail to our team.
Sarah Büker, M.Sc.
Data Science Support
Environmental and Marine Sciences
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Dr. Susanne de Vogel
Data Science Support
Social Sciences
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Dr. Maryam Movahedifar
Data Science Support
Analysis methods, especially statistics
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Annika Nolte, M.Sc.
Data Science Support
Environmental and Marine Sciences
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