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Project INF at the first “Conference on Research Data Infrastructure” (CoRDI)

At the conference from September 12 to 14 in Karlsruhe, Marlene Pacharra (INF) and Tobias Otto (INF), together with other authors, will present their poster on “Making Data Management feel easy: Integration of a Hyrax Data Repository into the Research Process”. The event is organized by the association “National Research Data Infrastructure” (NFDI) and deals with everything related to research data.

Description of the event by the NFDI:

Research data form the basis for knowledge and innovation throughout all scientific disciplines. They play a fundamental role in the progress of our society. The key to using these data treasures is an effective infrastructure. With the first edition of the Conference on Research Data Infrastructure from 12 to 14 September 2023, the Association German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) is initiating a conference that will focus on establishing interdisciplinary research data management (RDM). Under the theme Connecting Communities, national and international stakeholders from all research fields as well as from the infrastructure sector are invited to present their contributions to an excellent RDM of the future and to exchange information about the latest developments. NFDI is organizing the conference in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). NFDI contributors as well as all other RDM interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to meet at the KIT South Campus. Over the course of three days, topics related to RDM and the joint development of an effective research data infrastructure for Germany and beyond will be examined from a wide variety of perspectives. Scientific presentations, a panel discussion, exciting keynotes, a poster session and networking activities are planned. The Conference on Research Data Infrastructure stands for more comprehensive knowledge through better use of research data, for innovations and the resulting social benefits.

More info is available on the official event website >>.

Article of the RUB about CoRDI 2023 (german) >>.

New Year, New Me: The Facts

As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).

Most common new years resolutions:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. Spend more time with family/friends (35%)

How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?

  • Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week. 
  • 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month. 
  • 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.

What makes resolutions stick?

Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.

The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all. 

Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.

So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.