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Working Group Error Culture in Science

Feedback from the scientific community shows that researchers have a certain reluctance regarding data publication, fearing that errors in their data or scientific work might be discovered. In industry and medicine, so-called no-blame cultures have already been implemented in areas where errors can have serious consequences, allowing teams to feel safe without fear of blame, criticism, or loss of professional reputation.

Unfortunately, this culture is lacking in many other areas. There is a need to understand the concrete effects of errors on researchers and the organisational culture in science.

This working group addresses:

  • The nature and impact of errors in research workflows
  • Development of a no-blame culture in academic data publication
  • Understanding organisational culture around error handling in different disciplines
  • Practical recommendations for creating psychologically safe research environments

To date, a publication and a workshop concept have been produced. At CoRDI 2025, a survey was conducted on the perception of errors in the context of research data management. As part of this work, various proposals for measures were also tested with key stakeholders as part of a methodological assessment - for example, in focus groups. The result is a white paper. This document sets out specific measures, justifies them and describes which stakeholders, both within and outside the NFDI, should be involved in their implementation.

Following discussion within the section and any necessary adjustments, the white paper will be presented to the consortium assembly. This will involve consultation with other stakeholders active within the NFDI. Once the white paper has been agreed upon as an official NFDI position, implementation will begin. Suitable workshop concepts will be developed for this purpose. In collaboration with consortia, but above all with regional research data management (FDM) initiatives, workshops and other outreach initiatives will be launched.

Contacts
  • Bernhard Miller
  • Theo Bender
  • Maximilian Frank

Resources​