KGI4NFDI and TS4NFDI: A natural fit for applying semantic web technologies in practice [Poster]

Benjamin Zapilko, Roman Baum, Muhammad Elhossary, Fidan Limani, Daniel Mietchen, Lozana Rossenova, Till Sauerwein, Moritz Schubotz, Renat Shigapov, Konrad U. Förstner

Published: 02 Sept 2025, Last Modified: 15 Jan 2026ZenodoEveryoneRevisionsCC BY-SA 4.0
Abstract: Knowledge graphs (KG) and terminologies are closely related, as both are used to structure and represent knowledge within a certain scope. However, a more nuanced approach suggests a division into standard ontologies and vocabularies (Tbox) and specific (meta)data instances (Abox). A Tbox comprises expressions that contain universal statements about classes, while an Abox contains assertions about instances. In essence, terminologies offer standardized vocabularies, comprising concepts, definitions, and relationships, which form the basis for constructing KGs. These KGs, in turn, organize terminologies into semantic layers interconnecting networks of data / knowledge, and thereby enabling semantic reasoning and data integration. By leveraging terminologies, KGs ensure consistency and interoperability across various applications, such as AI-assisted tools, information search, and data analytics. KGI4NFDI advocates for a domain-independent, reusable Knowledge Graph Infrastructure (KGI) to enhance interoperability across diverse research domains and support the objectives of the NFDI. KGI4NFDI provides a KG Registry enabling discovery and federation across KGs in the NFDI, and empowers research communities to create decentralised KG instances using standardised approaches, technologies, and expertise. In a complementary manner, TS4NFDI is a cross-domain service for the provision, curation, development, harmonization and mapping of terminologies. It aims to facilitate consensus-building and interoperability of research data services and achieve a shared knowledge representation and knowledge engineering framework. Both Base services contribute to the “One NFDI” vision and deliver concrete applications of the FAIR data principles on national and international level, through future integration with EOSC. In this poster, we showcase initial prototypes integrating the two services and extending their functionalities in delivering FAIR data infrastructure for the NFDI. A first goal is to integrate the Terminology Service Suite (TSS) widgets into the contribution workflow for new entries into the KG Registry. By using an ontology provided by TS4NFDI (e.g., NFDI Core Ontology) a complete registration form can be generated based on a selection of required entities and relations. In addition, TSS widgets can allow users to choose metadata on e.g. domain subjects from a controlled vocabulary such as the DFG Classification of Subject Areas Ontology. Alongside these...
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