In January, the three projects “RIS Synergy”, “FAIR Data Austria” and “Austrian DataLAB and Services” approved the creation of the Research Data Cluster. The project „FAIR Data Austria“ was launched in January, followed by “RIS Synergy” in March. In July 2020, “Austrian DataLAB and Services“ was launched as well. Coordination between the projects, although made difficult due to COVID-19,  advanced. The projects also analysed interfaces and defined work packages. Collaboration in the cluster officially began with the first steering group meeting in July 2020.