Over recent years, advances in omics data generation have opened up significant opportunities for researchers working with "big data." As a result, the challenges in the field have evolved, shifting from data collection to the reuse, interpretation, and analysis of vast, heterogeneous datasets. The NFDI4Microbiota consortium was formed to meet these new demands by offering data access, analytical services, training, and infrastructure to support the broader microbiological community.

NFDI4Microbiota aims to serve as a central hub established to assist both the German and international microbiological research communities. It comprises ten partner institutions backed by five professional societies and over 50 participating organizations. The consortium aims to accelerate the digital transformation within the microbiological community by providing solutions for data management through cutting-edge computational methods. It also seeks to streamline the entire research workflow, from initial data generation to the final stages of publication, including data submission. The consortium offers specialized training programs, infrastructure, and advanced computational tools to achieve this streamlining process.

The wide array of tools, methodologies, and resources offered by NFDI4Microbiota is designed to facilitate the transformation of new and existing data into meaningful scientific knowledge. Training opportunities are available in open science, research data management, databases, programming, data science, and data analysis. Furthermore, implementing a cloud-based infrastructure provides access to analytical tools, a knowledge base, and systems for analyzing, integrating, and storing microbiological data.

By creating this centralized resource, NFDI4Microbiota aims to become the essential connection for microbiota research in Germany and beyond. It offers researchers the infrastructure, expertise, and easy access to tools and training that enhance their work while supporting Open Science principles and ensuring that data remains Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) in the future.