Like many other scientific disciplines, the geosciences are increasingly permeated by the possibilities of modern IT services and capacities that can contribute to sustainability.

Modern geoscientific research not only relies on the use of high-performance computing facilities, for example for Earth system modelling, but also collects data on a large scale, for example in remote sensing, which needs to be processed and handled and goes well beyond the scope and complexity of usual standard applications. The further development of services for the scientific community with a claim to sustainability is also increasingly based on the integration of different data into higher-quality data products. For example, the GFZ provides internationally available data services (e.g. within the framework of global navigation satellite systems or for the permanent and unambiguous identification of geoscientific samples by means of the International Generic Sample Number), on whose reliable provision, in addition to excellent scientific results, the international visibility of the GFZ is based.

In order to maintain its top position in international geosciences and to continue to make its contributions to sustainability research, the GFZ has set itself the goal of consistent digitisation in all areas of science as well as in the supporting functions. In addition to optimising administrative processes, this also includes the further development and operation of a highly integrated IT infrastructure to support collaboration and multimedia communication, which among other things also helps to avoid business trips, as these contribute strongly to the GFZ's emissions budget. In this way, digitisation also helps to bring the GFZ's sections and departments closer together, to promote interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary collaboration, to bring organisational agility to a higher level of maturity and to save resources such as time, energy and materials.

These activities are embedded in the Helmholtz Association's overarching digitisation strategy and aligned with the GFZ's research strategy. The department thus makes supporting contributions to SGDs #4 - Quality Education, #5 Gender Equality and #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The sustainable operation of digital infrastructures is oriented towards SGD #12 Sustainable Consumption and Production. In the context of scientific method development, the department also contributes to SGD #13 Climate Action.

More information about research in the sections of DEPARTMENT GEOINFORMATION.