39th Open Science Meet-up: Digital Sovereignty - What it is, why it matters

Monday 7 Dec 2026, 13:00 → 15:30 Europe/Berlin

großer Konferenzraum (3.OG) (SUB)

Astrid Orth (SUB Göttingen), Birgit Schmidt (SUB Göttingen), Daniel Beucke (SUB Göttingen), Julika Mimkes (SUB Göttingen)

Not all digital infrastructures and software solutions are well-suited to support the goals of Open Science. While data sharing is a central goal ("as open as possible as closed as necessary"), it is essential to maintain control of own data in terms of storage, access and processing rights.   

Digital sovereignty aims at maintaining the security, transparency and independence of digital infrastructures. In particular, solutions offered by foreign technology companies have been identified as a risk for these goals.  

In this session, we would like to explore the concept and related aims as well as concrete steps to improve digital sovereignty. Open source, open standards and secure networking of distributed infrastructures can strengthen digital sovereignty. 

If you would like to contribute a short presentation please reach out to us!

Pad: https://pad.gwdg.de/RdmIlQm_QJyG4MXvPhe5qA?view

1 Welcome & Round of introductions

2 Short presentations

• GWDG / Campus Göttingen
  -Free and Open Software in Ecosystem Modelling - Sebastian Hanns, Department of Ecosystem Modelling, UGOE
• N.N.

3 Discussion

Questions for the discussion
- How does digital sovereignty matter to individuals in research, education and infrastructure?
- What criteria matter for researchers when assessing digital sovereignty, e.g. of data storage solutions?
- What aspects should be addressed by the institution, what by individuals?
- ...