HPC training & education best-practices

NFDI4Ing’s archetype focused on HPC – Doris – demonstrates how, through NFDI4Ing and its framework, both local and global training and education initiatives can be implemented to effectively promote RDM awareness.
Image of a person sitting at a desk, screen and laptop in front. The screen shows a video conference with multiple other persons participating.
Online course at Technical University of Munich (Eckert / TUM)

The NFDI4Ing archetype Doris, in collaboration with participating institutions, is actively involved in education and training initiatives beyond its core focus on research data management (RDM) for data from High Performance Computing (HPC). Our efforts aim to address needs and foster improved RDM by raising awareness about its importance and benefits.

Undergraduate studies and training for researchers

In NFDI4Ing, we have developed an elective module for all engineering bachelor’s programs titled “Introduction to Research Data Management for Engineering Students“. This course is designed to teach general RDM principles delivered by RDM experts. Domain-specific RDM best-practices are introduced through guest contributions by researchers from various fields, showcasing diverse research and data workflows. Since its launch in 2022, this module  introduced hundreds of students to RDM. Course evaluations consistently show a very high level of satisfaction among participants.

Additionally, we have successfully integrated mandatory RDM content into the first curriculum at the Technical University of Munich. In the new hands-on module “Scientific Experiment with Integrated Research Data Management” within the B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering program, students combine practical laboratory experiments with training in corresponding RDM practices. This course is offered as a decentralized, asynchronous online course, ensuring flexible access for students, tutors and supervisors.

For aspiring researchers, we provide both general RDM workshops and tailored, domain-specific workshops focused on RDM for High-Performance Computing. These are provided in partnership with HPC centers to address the unique needs of this community.

Call for collaboration

In our offerings, we build upon established best practices and freely available teaching materials, such as resources from DALIA and the community-established learning objective matrix for RDM. Additionally, we contribute our expertise to relevant committees and actively invite all education-focused RDM experts to collaborate with us (e.g., in the Training & Education section of the NFDI). We are always seeking guest contributions, whether for workshops or courses. If you are interested in sharing a best practice or tool from your domain with our target audiences, please reach out to us. Likewise, feel free to contact us if you would like to benefit from our experiences, concepts, and materials!

Contact

Web: https://www.epc.ed.tum.de/en/aer/research-groups/nfdi4ing/
E-Mail: info-doris@nfdi4ing.de
Spokesperson: Prof. Christian Stemmer, https://www.epc.ed.tum.de/en/aer/members/cv/dr-stemmer/#c8665

Benjamin Farnbacher