TRAILs

Pilot projects for an innovative research data infrastructure

TRAILs (Task-Related Activities for Implementation and Launch of Services) are central pilot projects of the NFDI4Objects work programme, formed in an open process. They serve to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve the handling of object-related research data in environmental and human history. TRAILs enable the development of sustainable and practical approaches that strengthen both the scientific work and the infrastructure of the consortium.

Aims of the TRAILs

Our TRAILs all have the overarching goal of simplifying research data management for users. To this end, each TRAIL is developing a specific service. In order to transform such a service from idea to practice, we support all TRAILs financially over a specific, predetermined period of time.

As an incubator for new services, TRAILs also offer the following added value for employees and users:

  • They promote innovation: TRAILs open up new methods and technologies to optimise research data management and the interoperability of scientific data.
  • They integrate the needs of the community: researchers, museums, archives and other institutions work together in interdisciplinary networks to develop customised solutions for real challenges in the field of research data management of object-related data.
  • They ensure sustainability: The results of the TRAILs should be usable in the long term by integrating them into the NFDI4Objects services and making them freely available as ‘NFDI Commons’.

Invitation to participate in the second funding phase

The second round of TRAILs will start in 2025, for which interested institutions and individuals can apply with new project proposals. Whether universities, museums or state heritage offices - the open structure of TRAILs makes it possible to contribute innovative ideas and actively contribute to the further development of the research data infrastructure. By participating in TRAILs, institutions benefit not only from financial support, but also from access to a broad network of experts and state-of-the-art digital resources.

Why take part?

  • Use research data innovatively: TRAILs offer the opportunity to develop customised solutions for specific scientific and technical challenges for object-related data.
  • Expand networks: Participants become part of a Germany-wide consortium and benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Shaping the future: TRAILs not only shape the work of NFDI4Objects, but also set standards that have an impact beyond the consortium.

For more information on ongoing TRAILs in the first funding phase, please visit our Portal or contact our Helpdesk. Use this opportunity to actively shape the service portfolio for research data management in the study of human history.

Stay up to date!

The preparation of the second call for our TRAILs is currently in full swing. In order not to miss any news about the start of the call, the application modalities and more, please register for our newsletter. You will then be conveniently informed about new developments in the consortium by e-mail on a monthly basis.