Jena. Careful management and structuring of research data—this is what Dr. Jeanne Wilbrandt is commited to support at the Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI). The 36-year-old has been part of the institute's team since 2019 and supports scientific research as a data steward, improving data documentation and reusability.
"In Bonn, I conducted research in large genome projects together with over 100 scientists, and one thing was clear: nothing works without structured data documentation and agreements," Dr. Wilbrandt reflects. "It was only in Jena that I was able to combine this insight with my passion for knowledge transfer and found my calling - away from data analysis and towards better research," she says enthusiastically. "As a data steward, I support the researchers, can be creative, and even work on publications."
Developing and implementing guidelines and procedures, supporting the organization and publication of data, as well as the collection of metadata - her tasks are no easy undertaking. "It doesn't always have to be the perfect method - the main thing is that the entire research process is documented somehow," she says with a wink. "But only when we have a certain minimum amount of generally accessible information in addition to the data set, data and results can really be understood and reused. Well-founded research benefits from well-planned research data management. Not least because this also increases the chances of scientific work being funded. The understandability and integrity of data are decisive factors in ensuring that research can make a concrete contribution to society."
Dr. Wilbrandt organizes workshops and lectures to continuously develop awareness and knowledge of data management. She has made a name for herself beyond the FLI with her "Research Data Management Coffee Lectures & Espresso Shots." "In the lecture series, I answer questions about data management in an easily digestible way. Online, concise, and over a cup of coffee," she says, describing the concept. "I provide the knowledge, the scientists provide the caffeine. And because the whole thing takes place online and in English, I have an international audience and can constantly expand our network." Thought out concepts, characteristic illustrations and playful learning units are part of her repertoire, because “the dryer a topic seems, the more important it is to teach it with fun.”
Dr. Wilbrandt also uses platforms such as Zenodo to exchange ideas with scientists from all over the world for teaching and learning. "What else," she says with a smile and explains, "The name is derived from Zenodotos of Ephesus. He was the first director of the great library of Alexandria and was the first person in the history of libraries to use metadata, in the form of tags."
With her creative approach and commitment, Dr. Jeanne Wilbrandt fits seamlessly into the high standards of the FLI. With her innovative approach she supports new standards in data management and actively promotes open and international networking for a strong and lively exchange of knowledge on a global level.
