Establishment of a research data centre at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM.fdz)

The project “Establishment of a Research Data Center at the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM.fdz)” aims to build a specialized data infrastructure for the field of migration and integration research. It is based on the observation that, although numerous surveys, panel studies, and qualitative projects are conducted in this area, their data are often only partially accessible, difficult to locate, or insufficiently documented—particularly when dealing with sensitive groups, small-area analyses, or longitudinal designs.

To address this, the DeZIM.fdz develops a comprehensive service portfolio: it designs processes for the secure ingestion of project data (data curation), builds a metadata and documentation system, develops standards for anonymization and data preparation, and provides tiered access options. These include Scientific Use Files for download, controlled on-site access for guest researchers (e.g., for highly sensitive data), and secure remote access.

Organizationally, the DeZIM.fdz is established as an independent unit within the DeZIM Institute and works closely with the institutes of the DeZIM research community and external partners. During the setup phase, pilot projects (e.g., DeZIM.panel and specific survey and panel studies on migration, forced migration, and racism) are integrated, processes are standardized, and a growing data portfolio for scientific reuse is made available.
The project’s research focus is primarily infrastructural and methodological:

• Design and implementation of a research data center in the field of migration and integration
• Development of standards for data ingestion, anonymization, documentation, and archiving
• Design of data protection-compliant access pathways to sensitive, person-related research data

Substantively, the project itself does not address a specific research question on migration or integration; rather, it provides the infrastructure on which such questions can be answered by other projects. In this sense, the DeZIM.fdz is an enabler of research, rather than a content-driven research project.

• Access gap: Many datasets in migration and integration research—especially from third-party funded projects—have so far only been available internally or have become difficult to access after project completion. The DeZIM.fdz creates structured, long-term, and legally secure access to these data.
• Documentation gap: Metadata and documentation in this field are often inconsistent or fragmented. The project develops uniform standards to make studies findable and comparable (e.g., via a central study registry and standardized documentation formats).
• Protection–use gap: Data on migration, forced migration, racism, and discrimination often concern vulnerable groups. Specialized solutions that reconcile high protection needs with scientific use have often been lacking. The DeZIM.fdz develops and establishes suitable access models and governance structures.

• Establishment of a research data center serving as a central hub for data on migration and integration in Germany
• Development and implementation of procedures for data curation, anonymization, documentation, and archiving in line with data protection, good scientific practice, and open science
• Establishment of tiered data access pathways (SUF, secure on-site access, remote access) for different levels of data sensitivity
• Systematic integration of the DeZIM research community and external researchers into the use and further development of the infrastructure

• Conceptual phase: Analysis of existing research data center models, definition of the specific profile of the DeZIM.fdz, development of governance structures, and data protection and security concepts
• Pilot phase: Ingestion of selected studies (e.g., DeZIM.panel, surveys on forced migration, integration, racism), testing of curation and anonymization processes, and development of initial access services for guest researchers
• Systematization: Development of standardized workflows and guidelines for project teams (e.g., data management plans, data handover checklists), expansion of the metadata platform, implementation of usage and application procedures
• Consolidation: Establishment of the DeZIM.fdz as a permanent unit within the DeZIM Institute, gradual expansion of data holdings and services, and integration into national and international research data infrastructure networks

Standardized processes for data ingestion, anonymization, and preparation are in place and have already been applied to several major studies within the DeZIM context. Initial datasets (including panel and survey data) have been made available as Scientific Use Files or in highly secure environments and have been used by both internal and external researchers. The DeZIM.fdz is established as an independent organizational unit, maintains a growing data portfolio, and is increasingly included in project proposals as a partner for data storage and dissemination.