The FAIR Data Austria project (funded by the BMBWF) has been completed, marking a significant milestone in Austria’s pursuit of open science and enhanced research data management (RDM). Building upon its accomplishments, the project has successfully developed and established a range of tools and services to support the lifecycle management of research results, including machine-actionable Data Management Plans (maDMPs), repositories for research results, cross-university RDM training, and data stewardship programs.

The project consortium, led by the Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in collaboration with the core partners TU Wien and University of Vienna, as well as cooperation partners such as the Medical University of Graz, the University of Innsbruck and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, represents a joint effort to foster collaboration between Austrian universities. This collective effort has maximized synergies and solidified the role of Austrian institutions in the international research landscape, while actively supporting the implementation of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC).

Throughout the project duration, FAIR Data Austria has brought together different stakeholders, ranging from researchers and data professionals to policymakers and representatives from the public sector. By creating a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange, the initiative has facilitated interdisciplinary cooperation and collective growth.

One of the project’s notable achievements has been the establishment of dedicated teams at partner universities, underscoring the significance of FAIR data management. This collaborative approach has encouraged active community engagement and involvement from stakeholders beyond the project team. Furthermore, the development of open-source solutions across all facets of the research data lifecycle has been a pivotal accomplishment, with many of these solutions currently in the roll-out phase or already operational. FAIR Data Austria has also set the stage for future developments and alignment with international initiatives, emphasizing the importance of sustaining connections and the network formed during the project.

As FAIR Data Austria concludes, it leaves behind a profound impact on research data management in Austria. The tools, services, and networks established through the project will continue to drive progress in open science and open innovation. Austria’s position at the forefront of research and innovation is reinforced, promoting collaboration, resource optimization, and a shared vision of a FAIR and accessible research landscape.

In a testament to the project’s accomplishments, it is with great enthusiasm that a follow-up project, „Shared RDM Services and Infrastructure,“ has been awarded. This new project aims to build upon the achievements of FAIR Data Austria by expanding its reach and impact, incorporating six additional partners into the consortium.