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Abstract: Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), consist of a large number of research sub projects working collaboratively across research institutions, addressing complex research problems. To enhance interdisciplinary data exchange and manage research data effectively, the DFG introduced Information Infrastructure (INF) projects within CRCs. This paper presents experiences from five exemplary CRCs, including CRC 1153, CRC 1368, TRR 375, CRC 1333, and CRC 1127, spanning disciplines such as engineering sciences, materials science, chemistry, biology, and biochemistry. We analyze the role of INF projects through six key questions addressing discipline-specific challenges, collaboration with RDM local, regional, or national players, transfer of innovation into scientific communities, training, integration of AI methodologies, and sustainability of research data management (RDM) infrastructures. Common challenges identified include the integration of heterogeneous data environments, implementation of standardized metadata schemas, and ensuring interoperability and reusability of research data. Successful approaches include tailored training programs, the adoption of open-source tools, and the creation and utilization of domain-specific metadata vocabularies. Innovations from INF projects such as semantic annotation, knowledge graph generation, and AI-based data curation demonstrate the practical value of professional data management. Sustainable archiving strategies leverage local and national repositories, automated metadata workflows, and open-access data publishing practices. The collaboration with local and national RDM infrastructures, including interactions with consortia of the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), significantly enhances these efforts. This article highlights effective strategies and best practices developed in INF projects, providing valuable insights into managing research data sustainably and effectively across interdisciplinary collaborations, and offering guidance to future INF initiatives within CRCs. 

Keywords: Research Data Management, Collaborative Research