At #HMCConference2026, NFDI4Cat shared how to make metadata not just FAIR but usable!
Yuliia Dikova presented a flexible semantic uploader for FAIR RDF workflows → https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19707134
Marc Völkenrath showed how LLMs enhance DCAT‑AP+ metadata generation → https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19679693
Key takeaway: bridging standards & real-world usability across RDM, AI & semantics.
#HMCConference2026 comes to a close in Heidelberg
Over the past days, discussions highlighted how metadata is becoming central to research – from interoperability and infrastructures to human–machine collaboration.
The final keynote showed how metadata enables large-scale genomic research, reinforcing its role as a foundation for modern science.
It was great to see the exchange, discussions & connections across the community.
This is what Metadata in Action looks like.
🎉 #HMCConference2026 has officially come to a close
The final session included the awards for best demo and best poster:
🏆 Demo: Maxime Gorres (FZJ)
🏆 Poster: Paolo Graniero (HZB)
Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all contributors for a strong and engaging programme.
The final session of #HMCConference2026 focuses on human–machine collaboration in metadata acquisition
The talks show how automation, robotics, and semantic tools are shaping how data and metadata are created and managed in practice.
Discussions also highlighted how many projects share similar challenges and successes – making it valuable to bring these perspectives together.
One memorable moment: “The robots are much better than the humans.”
Day 3 of #HMCConference2026 opened with a keynote by @OliverStegle on how metadata powers large-scale genomic research.
His talk highlighted how interoperable, well-structured metadata enables data integration, reproducibility, and analysis at scale.
A key message: metadata is not just supportive – it is foundational.
Discussions also touched on challenges such as metadata anonymity, evolving data/metadata boundaries, and the importance of versioning and standards.
Great having you here with us at #HMCConference2026
Great having you here with us at #HMCConference2026
🚀 Day 2 at #HMCConference2026 in Heidelberg
The sessions explored how these different layers need to come together in practice to enable meaningful integration and reuse of research data.
The keynote on RDF knowledge graphs added an important perspective on connecting data and enabling new approaches.
The day continued with poster sessions, discussions, and the evening social event on the Neckar River.
A great mix of insights and community — looking forward to the final day.
🌊 Day 2 of #HMCConference2026 is coming to a close on the Neckar River
After a full day of sessions and discussions, the social event offers a chance to continue conversations in a more informal setting.
It’s great to see how the exchange continues beyond the sessions and brings people together across disciplines.
NFDI4Cat
Helmholtz Metadata Collab.
Roman Baum