NFDI4BIOIMAGE welcomes the decision to continue the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) until 2038 — an important milestone for sustainable research data management in Germany.

The extension of the NFDI until 2038 creates new opportunities for sustainable research data infrastructures. Together with our partners, we advocate for a dedicated Biomedicine section within the future NFDI structure.

The decision of the Joint Science Conference (GWK) to continue funding the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) until 2038 is an important signal for the future of research data management in Germany. The new federal-state agreement provides a long-term framework for the NFDI and lays the foundation for a more coordinated organisational structure, including the introduction of scientific sections.

At NFDI4BIOIMAGE, we see this as an important opportunity to further strengthen community-driven research data infrastructures and foster closer collaboration across disciplines. Sustainable funding and long-term perspectives are essential for developing services, standards, and infrastructures that enable researchers to share, access, and reuse data effectively.

Together with NFDI4Health, NFDI4Microbiota, NFDI4Immuno and GHGA, we support the establishment of a dedicated Biomedicine section within the future NFDI. We believe that the biomedical community would benefit greatly from a common framework that brings together expertise, coordinates activities, and addresses shared challenges in the management and use of biomedical research data.

To express this shared vision, the five consortia have published a joint statement. In this statement, we highlight the unique role of biomedicine within the German research landscape and emphasise the need for a dedicated section that reflects the field’s scientific relevance, societal impact, and specific infrastructure requirements. We also reaffirm our commitment to helping shape this section as an open, collaborative, and science-driven environment for the broader biomedical community.

Our collaboration is built on a strong foundation. Through the BioMed Interest Group and numerous joint activities, we have already developed productive partnerships and exchanged expertise on topics ranging from data standards and interoperability to the responsible handling of sensitive research and health data. By working together, we aim to strengthen these connections further, expand collaboration with initiatives such as NAKO, NUM, and genomDE, and contribute to a sustainable and interconnected NFDI that supports biomedical research for years to come.

Read the joint statement here on Zenodo. An english version will follow soon.

Further information: The press release by the GWK and the new Federal-State Agreement on the Promotion of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI).