The Research Core Dataset (RCD) for the German science system is a standard specification that could in future harmonise the management of research information across research institutions in Germany (relating to e.g. research staff, young academics, third-party funding, patents and publications).
The standard specification was developed in the recently completed RCD specification project (project period: 2013-2015). The development was based on and guided by recommendations of the German Council of Science and Humanities, which published a framework paper for the Research Core Dataset in 2013 (German Council of Science and Humanities 2013). After completion of the development process, the science council published the standard specification and recommended its implementation in 2016 (German Council of Science and Humanities 2016).
A helpdesk was set up to support the ongoing implementation process of the RCD standard. The helpdesk assists research institutions in Germany to interpret the RCD specification. It also provides support to organisations that seek to adapt their information requests to the RCD standard. The helpdesk is provided by the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies. The project is jointly financed by the German Federal and Länder governments for a period of three years.
