The second day of the CESSDA 50 conference brought participants together for discussions on artificial intelligence, repository practice, and the future development of services across CESSDA.

The day began with the Service Providers Forum, a meeting for invited representatives of CESSDA Service Providers. This was followed by two workshops organised by the AI and Interoperability Working Groups, both focusing on how artificial intelligence is already affecting research data services, and how CESSDA can prepare for the changes ahead.

Throughout the day, participants discussed how AI offers significant opportunities for strengthening interoperability, improving metadata quality, supporting multilingual consistency, and enabling more automated workflows. At the same time, the sessions underlined the need for responsible adoption, shared standards, and careful consideration of ethical, regulatory, and governance questions.

Workshop 6: AI Today: Real-world Implications in CESSDA

Speakers: Darren Bell (UK Data Service), Benjamin Beuster (Sikt), Bojana Tasic (FORS), and Slava Tykhonov (CODATA)

The first workshop of the day, AI Today: Real-world Implications in CESSDA, focused on the practical implications of artificial intelligence for CESSDA and its Service Providers. Speakers and participants explored how AI can support metadata generation and enrichment at scale, improve data and metadata quality, and help make research data more interoperable and “AI-ready”.

The session also addressed the role of standards and frameworks, including CroissantML, in supporting FAIR principles while enabling new AI-driven approaches. Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI is used responsibly within repositories, with appropriate safeguards in place to address ethical and regulatory considerations.

Workshop 7: AI Tomorrow: Mapping Out an AI Future for CESSDA

Speakers: Darren Bell (UK Data Service), Benjamin Beuster (Sikt), and Bojana Tasic (FORS)

The second workshop, AI Tomorrow: Mapping Out an AI Future for CESSDA, shifted the focus from current implications to future possibilities. The hands-on session invited participants to consider how AI may reshape traditional understandings of repository practice and the types of services CESSDA could provide.

Participants worked with three central topic areas: technology, governance, and skills. Through interactive exercises and discussions, the workshop gathered input that can help shape future AI adoption within CESSDA, ensuring that technological development is matched by the necessary organisational knowledge, community coordination, and governance structures.
 

Welcome Reception at Håkonshallen

In the evening, participants gathered for the CESSDA 50 Welcome Reception at the historic Håkonshallen. Hosted by the City of Bergen, the reception offered an opportunity for conference participants to meet, connect, and continue conversations in an informal setting.

Deputy Mayor Thomas Flesland.

Deputy Mayor of Bergen Thomas Flesland welcomed participants to the city, before CESSDA Executive Director Bonnie Wolff-Boenisch introduced a musical performance by the local men’s choir Arme Riddere. After the performance, participants enjoyed food, drinks, and time to mingle in one of Bergen’s most historic venues.

Alongside the main conference programme, the CESSDA Communications Group also met during the day for a dedicated workshop at Sikt’s offices in Bergen. The gathering brought together communications officers from across the CESSDA community to get to know each other better, foster cooperation, and share knowledge on common communications challenges and priorities.

Arme Riddere (which translates to both "Poor Knights" and "French Toast") during their performance.

Together, the activities on Day 2 highlighted both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with new technologies. From Service Provider discussions and AI-focused workshops to community-building at the reception and communications workshop, the day reflected CESSDA’s commitment to collaboration, shared learning, and preparing for the future of research data services.

Executive Director Bonnie Wolff-Boenisch watches as the choir performes. 

The gathered crowd listening to the musical performance

CESSDA's Head of IT, Alen Vodopivec in Håkonshallen.

Former CESSDA President Bjørn Henrichsen mingling in Håkonshallen. 

Photos by Taras Turkevyc Tangnes, Einar Tobias Grude, and Maria Girbau.