The Network Research Data Support (NeRDS) is the network of all support teams at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, helping researchers to find support and solutions to manage their data and software in order to work in line with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
As the local Digital Competence Centre of the university, NeRDS is organised to traverse borders, increase visibility and experience a sense of community in co-creating digital competencies to support research. Together, research support and IT staff develop and maintain solutions and resources for research data, software, and infrastructure, building sustainable support services by sharing knowledge and collaborate across the institution.
Active community and network of experts
The Network for Research Data Support (NeRDS) encompasses University Library services, IT services, faculty support services, and other divisions such as the legal office and the grants office, all closely collaborating with each other to support researchers. The NeRDS also is an active community in which researchers and support staff meet, inspire, share knowledge and skills and help each other. By combining our knowledge and strengths, we are able to achieve results that would not be possible for individual teams. The aim is to provide high-quality support to researchers on facilitating good data management and enabling them to work according to the FAIR principles, hence increasing the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability of research output.
What does NeRDS offer
The network consists of a number of services, ranging from a team of data- and software management experts advising and supporting researchers in their data- and software management activities to an up-to-date technical infrastructure, easy to use, adhere to data practices and connect to the requirements of researchers. The RDM Support Desk is a central service of VU Amsterdam's University Library providing practical assistance, help and advice with RDM-related questions. Furthermore, the team of experts offers workshops, trainings, and online resources that support research data & software management and explain how to develop scripts and software during a research project. This applies to all research domains and focuses on the newest digital research methods. Besides managing RDM tools, the NeRDS network also initiates projects to improve existing services and add new tools and services. Alignment with resources, staff capacity, and researchers’ needs therefore are important drivers for the network.
Roadmap 2026-2030
The NeRDS Roadmap 2026-2030 presents a strategic and integrated approach to the intentional deployment and further development of research data management services within VU Amsterdam. Through the activities defined in the roadmap, we will ensure a solid foundation for high-quality support for researchers at all stages of their work, while making services more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly:
