The department “Research Data Infrastructures and Data Science” combines BIPS's core competencies in the areas of digital research support, data management, and data-driven methodology. It emerged in 2025 from the Biometry and Data Management department, which was founded in 1983, in order to meet the increased demands and opportunities arising from Open Science and to support epidemiological studies with functional research data management and an efficient IT infrastructure.

Based on many years of experience in setting up and operating complex research data infrastructures and in developing modern methods for processing and analyzing distributed health data, the department develops practical solutions at the intersection of technical infrastructure, data-based analysis, and methodological development for health research. It is guided by the FAIR principles: research data should be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. The department develops technical, organizational, and methodological solutions to enable the sustainable and quality-assured use of research data in accordance with good research practice.

The department focuses on the data protection-compliant development and operation of sustainable digital infrastructures for health research, the quality and usability of epidemiological data, and the development of innovative data science methods for the analysis, integration, and sharing of research data while strictly adhering to data protection regulations.

Research Data Management and IT Infrastructures

The IT Services and Infrastructures unit provides a stable and secure IT infrastructure for the entire institute. In addition to traditional system administration, this includes the operation of specialized systems for data storage—for metadata management, quality assurance, and data protection compliance. The IT services are tailored to the requirements of research and study logistics.

The Research Data Management unit performs central tasks with respect to the collection, processing, and long-term usability of epidemiological research data. It provides central features for research data management and develops procedures and programs that enable researchers to manage their studies efficiently and to ensure high data quality, including systems for computer-assisted interviews, study management, data transfer, and coding of medical variables. Research data are prepared, documented, and archived in accordance with the FAIR principles, thus making them accessible for subsequent research.

Data Science and Methodological Innovation

With the establishment of the Data Science unit, the department is strengthening its methodological expertise in dealing with distributed data. The unit develops and evaluates data science approaches for the integration, analysis, and FAIRification of epidemiological research data. The aim is to provide scientifically sound, privacy-preserving, and interoperable solutions that can be used both for internal research and by external partners.

In addition to methodological developments, the focus is also on practical applications, such as the implementation of federated data analysis concepts, which allow data holding organizations to perform statistical calculations locally without physically transferring their research data. The department is also heavily involved in national initiatives such as NFDI4Health to improve access to health-related data and its sustainable use in the spirit of Open Science.

The department sees itself as a central service provider, developer, and driving force in the field of digital research support. Through its work, it makes a significant contribution to ensuring that health research at BIPS remains data-driven, future-proof, and compatible—methodologically, technologically, and scientifically.

Iris Pigeot
Head of Department (Scientific Director)

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Iris Pigeot
Tel: +49 (0)421 218-56742
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56741

Email:
pigeot(at)leibniz-bips.de

Stefanie Brand
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56750
sbrand(at)leibniz-bips.de