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Abstract: The project “FitForFDM” performed a comprehensive review of the research data management (RDM) landscape at the University of Applied Sciences (HTW) Berlin. Based on broadly accepted recommendations (e. g. FAIR Principles) and requirements of funding bodies, a questionnaire aimed at research practitioners was created and applied in semi-structured interviews with five cooperating research projects, covering all faculties of the university. In parallel, central data services were examined in terms of technical properties, intended use and practical usability for scientific activities. To augment the emerging superficial picture of RDM practices, actors indirectly involved in the research process were inquired (members of IT support and the Central Office for Research and Transfer, laboratory engineers, data- and cybersecurity officers) and a working group of representatives of the central university units and single faculties was formed. The range of identified needs was broad. While the existing infrastructure was generally rated as good, it was deemed insufficient. The key challenges regarded practical implementation of the FAIR Principles in the absence of specialized counseling and technical support in RDM. Misunderstandings between numerous experts were amplified by confusion over vital terms (e. g. data protection vs. data security, storage vs. archiving). The lack of standards for project structure and documentation hampered systematic RDM, and already made efforts were not formalized. Nevertheless, a strong interest in learning materials and aids was expressed. Methods employed and adjusted in our project shall serve as a reusable example for other Universities of Applied Sciences wishing to improve their RDM services. 

Keywords: FitForFDM, research data management, semi-structured interviews, infrastructure, University of Applied Sciences