Bringing FAIR Metadata to Life in Microbiome Research

On October 7, 2025, a motivated group of 20 researchers gathered at the Center for Molecular Biosciences (ZMB) in Kiel for an inspiring full-day workshop focused on making microbiome datasets FAIR—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

Hosted by miTarget and organized by NFDI4Microbiota, the workshop was led by the dynamic duo M.Sc. Maja Magel, Project Coordinator, and M.Sc. Catherine Gonzalez, Data Steward—both from RWTH Aachen University. Together, they guided participants—ranging from beginners to experienced data stewards and professors—through the sometimes complex world of metadata, helping everyone master the use of controlled vocabularies and ontologies to make data more accessible and machine-readable.

The day was packed with engaging presentations, hands-on exercises, and lively discussions that sparked new ideas and collaborations. A standout moment was the live online connection with Dr. Anandhi Iyappan from GHGA, who offered valuable insights into metadata practices at the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive.

Despite the long and intensive schedule, the atmosphere remained upbeat and interactive, culminating in all attendees proudly receiving certificates of completion.

This workshop was more than just a training—it marked a step forward in building a future where microbiome research data is truly interoperable and reusable for all.

However, it also sparked critical reflections—for example, the question of how much effort researchers should continue to invest in manual metadata annotation in light of rapid advances in AI and automation. Discussions like these highlighted the need to strike a balance between human expertise and machine-driven processes—a challenge that will continue to shape the future of FAIR data practices.