Integrating UFZ Spatial Data Infrastructure Into Global Research Ecosystems

Building a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data space requires more than individual good practice; it demands coordinated measures across infrastructures, facilities, and research associations. Within the Helmholtz Association, implementing the FAIR principles in practice involves integrating heterogeneous data infrastructures into a cohesive ecosystem. This work aims to contribute to that effort by connecting the distributed Helmholtz data landscape and creating a sustainable, distributed, and semantically enriched (meta)data space.

To support this goal, we implemented interoperable interfaces for the spatial data infrastructure of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), enabling seamless integration with external digital research ecosystems. As a first step, we connected the UFZ GeoNetwork metadata catalogue to the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) using schema.org as a common semantic layer. This approach enables metadata exchange following patterns similar to those used by web search engines, improving discoverability and interoperability across domains.

The resulting connection highlights gaps and strengths within the UFZ data infrastructure, providing a replicable pathway for linking additional Helmholtz data facilities to national and international ecosystems. Ultimately, this work supports the creation of a truly FAIR data space across Helmholtz, opening avenues for new scientific applications, such as cross-domain data products and integrated research workflows.