# Cord Wiljes > German research data manager **Wikidata**: [Q53243913](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53243913) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cord-wiljes ## Summary Cord Wiljes is a German research data manager, programmer, and software engineer recognized for his work in research data infrastructure and the Semantic Web. He currently serves the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). His career bridges the gap between chemistry and information technology, focusing on the life cycle of research-related data. ## Biography * **Born:** Place: Brunswick (Date not specified; lived there 1969–1990) * **Nationality:** Germany * **Education:** * **Diplom in Chemistry:** Bielefeld University (1990–1997) * **Secondary Education:** Wilhelm-Gymnasium (1982–1989) * **Known for:** Research data management, Semantic Web integration, and data stewardship. * **Employer(s):** * German National Research Data Infrastructure (2021–Present) * Bielefeld University Library (2019–2021) * Competence Centre for Research Data (2018–2021) * CITEC (Cognitive Interaction Technology Center of Excellence) (2012–2019) * BOL (1999–2003) * Bertelsmann (1997–2003) * **Field(s):** Research data management, Semantic Web, linked data, chemistry. * **Languages:** German (native), English, French, Latin. ## Contributions Cord Wiljes has dedicated his career to the structuring, management, and accessibility of scientific data. Transitioning from a background in chemistry, he applied his technical skills as a programmer and software engineer to the field of research data management (RDM). Beginning in 2012 at Bielefeld University and the CITEC center, Wiljes worked within the Semantic Computing Group. Here, he likely contributed to the intersection of cognitive interaction technology and data standards. His work evolved into specialized data stewardship, notably with the Competence Centre for Research Data starting in 2018, where he managed the life cycle of research-related data. A significant contribution to the academic infrastructure is his involvement with the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). Since November 2021, he has played a key role in this initiative, which aims to systematically manage scientific data. Additionally, his membership in the Research Data Alliance and active participation in the Scientists for Future movement highlights his commitment to global data standards and science advocacy. He maintains a digital presence advocating for these topics across platforms like Mastodon, Twitter, and LinkedIn. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Cord Wiljes's primary area of expertise? A: His primary expertise is research data management (RDM), specifically focusing on the activities surrounding the life cycle of research-related data and the application of Semantic Web technologies. ### Q: Where did Cord Wiljes receive his education? A: He attended the Wilhelm-Gymnasium from 1982 to 1989 and later studied chemistry at Bielefeld University from 1990 to 1997, earning a Diplom degree. ### Q: What is Cord Wiljes's role in the German National Research Data Infrastructure? A: He has been employed by the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) since November 2021, contributing to the development and management of Germany's research data infrastructure. ## Why They Matter Cord Wiljes represents a crucial modern archetype in science: the data steward who facilitates research through infrastructure rather than traditional bench work. By bridging the disciplines of chemistry, software engineering, and the Semantic Web, he addresses the complex challenge of making scientific data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR). His work ensures that the data generated by researchers—particularly in the German academic system—does not vanish but is instead structured and preserved for future use. Through his long tenure at Bielefeld University and his current role at the NFDI, Wiljes helps shape the digital backbone that allows modern, data-intensive science to function. His engagement with the "Scientists for Future" movement further underscores a commitment to the societal impact and integrity of scientific practice. ## Notable For * **Research Data Infrastructure:** Key contributor to the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). * **Semantic Web Expertise:** Active work in linked data and semantic computing. * **Interdisciplinary Bridge:** Combining a formal education in chemistry with professional expertise in software engineering. * **Science Advocacy:** Member of "Scientists for Future" and Amnesty International. * **Open Science Community:** Membership in the Research Data Alliance (RDA). ## Body ### Early Life and Education Cord Wiljes was born in Brunswick, Germany. He resided there from approximately 1969 until 1990. His academic path began at the Wilhelm-Gymnasium, which he attended from 1982 to 1989. Subsequently, he moved to Bielefeld to pursue higher education at Bielefeld University. He studied chemistry from October 1990 to May 1997, graduating with a Diplom degree. ### Corporate Career Before fully transitioning to the academic sector, Wiljes gained significant experience in the corporate world. He worked for the media giant Bertelsmann starting in August 1997. During this period, he also worked for BOL (Bertelsmann Online) from May 1999 to April 2003. His corporate tenure lasted until April 30, 2003. ### Academic and Research Career Wiljes returned to Bielefeld University in December 2012. His roles included positions at the CITEC (Cognitive Interaction Technology Center of Excellence) and the Semantic Computing Group. In November 2018, he took on the role of research data manager at the university's Competence Centre for Research Data. Later, he moved to the Bielefeld University Library (November 2019 to October 2021). ### Current Role As of November 1, 2021, Cord Wiljes serves the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). In this capacity, he continues his work as a research data manager and scientific advisor, focusing on the standardization and management of research data on a national level. ### Memberships and Personal Insights Wiljes is an active member of several professional and advocacy organizations, including: * Research Data Alliance * German Chemical Society (GDCh) * Scientists for Future * D.O.N.A.L.D. He cites Bertrand Russell as a significant role model. He manages a personal website (wiljes.de) and is active on social media platforms, including Mastodon (openbiblio.social) and Twitter, where he discusses topics related to research data and chemistry. ## References 1. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-2528-5391/employment/8462392) 2. [Source](https://www.rd-alliance.org/oa-members) 3. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0003-2528-5391/external-identifiers/75520) 4. [SciGraph](https://scigraph.springernature.com/person.011762737453.45) 5. FactGrid