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How to Join the SFB 1252 Talks & Workshops Matrix Space

Quick Start Guide for Research Data and Methods Workshops

Quick Start Guide

  1. Have a Matrix account: Use your existing University of Cologne account or create one (see options below)
  2. Join via link: Click this invitation link: #sfb1252-talks:uni.koeln or scan the QR code below
  3. Choose client: Select your preferred Matrix client (Element recommended)
  4. Accept invitation: Click "Join" or "Accept" when prompted
  5. Explore: Join rooms within the space that interest you

QR Code for SFB 1252 Talks Matrix Space

Scan this QR code with your mobile device to join the SFB 1252 Talks & Workshops Matrix space

Guidelines for the Matrix Space

The purpose of this Matrix space is to foster connection, exchange, and support among participants of our Research Data and Methods workshops and talks. We aim to create a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, knowledge, successes, and questions related to research methods and data management.

To ensure a positive experience for all, please follow these community guidelines. Note that inappropriate posts may be moderated (deleted or hidden) by moderators and violations of these guidelines may result in exclusion from the platform.

Community Guidelines

  1. Be Respectful and Inclusive

  2. Treat all members with courtesy and respect

  3. Disagreement is fine, but personal attacks, harassment, or any form of discrimination will not be tolerated

  4. Welcome newcomers and help them feel included

  5. Stay Research-Focused

  6. Keep discussions relevant to research data management, methods, and academic practice

  7. Use designated channels for specific topics (see room descriptions)

  8. Off-topic conversations should be in the designated general chat room

  9. Protect Privacy and Confidentiality

  10. Do not share personal or confidential research data without consent

  11. Be mindful of sharing information about ongoing research projects

  12. Respect institutional confidentiality policies

  13. Be Constructive and Helpful

  14. Share resources, experiences, and knowledge that benefit the community

  15. Ask questions freely - no question is too basic

  16. Provide constructive feedback and support to fellow researchers

  17. Use Clear Communication

  18. Be concise and clear in your messages

  19. Use formatting (bullet points, paragraphs) for readability

  20. Avoid voice messages in favor of text when possible

  21. No Spam or Self-Promotion

  22. Avoid unsolicited advertisements or excessive self-promotion

  23. Sharing relevant academic events, resources, or opportunities is welcome when helpful

  24. Keep announcements in the appropriate channels

  25. Use Threads and Mentions Appropriately

  26. Use threads for follow-up discussions to keep conversations organized

  27. Mention individuals (@username) only when necessary

  28. Use @room sparingly and only for important announcements

  29. Report Issues

  30. Report inappropriate behavior privately to moderators
  31. Do not address behavioral issues publicly in the channels

Last modified: September 3, 2025

What Is Matrix?

Matrix is a federated communication platform where you can use any Matrix account to participate in chats across the network. The University of Cologne provides Matrix as an official communication platform for all staff members with personal accounts.

I Already Have a University of Cologne Matrix Account

If you already have a UoC Matrix account, joining the SFB 1252 space is straightforward:

  1. Use the invitation link: Click this link to open the Matrix space invitation: #sfb1252-talks:uni.koeln

  2. Choose your client: When you click the link, you will be asked which Matrix client you want to use:

  3. FluffyChat: Excellent for space navigation with a modern interface

  4. Element Web: Available at https://chat.extern.uni-koeln.de/ for browser access

  5. If you already have a preferred client installed, select it from the options

  6. Authorization: You may need to authorize your client to open Matrix links if this is your first time

  7. Accept the invitation: Once the link opens in your client, you will see an invitation to join the SFB 1252 space. Click "Join" or "Accept"

  8. Explore the space: After joining, you'll see our three main rooms:

  9. SFB General: Welcome, announcements, and general SFB 1252 discussions
  10. Research Data Management: RDM topics, tools, and best practices
  11. Katzentisch: Off-topic chat, memes, and general fun (because every serious research group needs a silly corner)

💡 Client Recommendations:

  • FluffyChat: Excellent space support with a modern, user-friendly interface
  • Element: Full-featured reference client, available at https://chat.extern.uni-koeln.de/
  • Both clients work great with Matrix Spaces and the uni.koeln server

I Do Not Have a Matrix Account

University of Cologne Staff Members

Recommended Option: Use your institutional Matrix account

  1. Access the university Matrix server: Go to https://chat.extern.uni-koeln.de/
  2. Login process:
  3. Select "Login on own server (not matrix.org)"
  4. Enter server address: uni.koeln
  5. Choose "SAML Login"
  6. Log in with your university personnel account and password
  7. Client setup: Install Element or another Matrix client and configure it with:
  8. Homeserver: uni.koeln
  9. Login method: SAML/SSO
  10. Join the space: Use the invitation link above after logging in

External Participants and Guests

If you're not a University of Cologne staff member, you can still join using these options:

  1. Academic Cloud option (for university and research institution members):

  2. If your institution provides Matrix accounts, use those

  3. For Max Planck Society (MPG) members and others: visit chat.academiccloud.de

  4. Log in with your institutional credentials via federated SSO

  5. Create a free account on public homeservers:

Homeserver Description Link
matrix.org The main public homeserver Register
nitro.chat An alternative public homeserver Register
  1. After creating your account: Use the invitation link at the beginning of this guide to join the SFB 1252 Matrix space

Matrix Clients and Applications

You can access Matrix through various client applications:

Client Operating Systems Key Features Links
FluffyChat Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web User-friendly design, excellent space support, simplified interface Web, Download
Element Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web Full feature support with E2EE, Reference client Web, Download
Nheko Windows, macOS, Linux Native desktop app, Good performance Download
SchildiChat Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Web Based on Element, UI improvements Web, Download

📱 Mobile Experience Tips

  • Performance: Native apps like FluffyChat provide excellent performance and reliable push notifications
  • FluffyChat Mobile: Particularly good space navigation and modern UI on mobile devices
  • Element Mobile: Also available from app stores with full functionality
  • University setup: Use server address uni.koeln when setting up any mobile client
  • Notifications: Both FluffyChat and Element handle notifications well on mobile

Notification Configuration

University Staff (uni.koeln server)

The University of Cologne Matrix server has end-to-end encryption (E2EE) enabled by default in all rooms. This provides enhanced security but requires proper setup:

  1. Security Key Setup: After first login, immediately create and save your security key in a password manager
  2. Device Verification: New devices/clients must be verified using your security key or an existing active session
  3. Client Choice: Both FluffyChat and Element handle E2EE and notifications well - choose based on your preference
  4. Desktop Client Recommended: Install either FluffyChat or Element desktop client for reliable notifications

Browser Notification Issues

Common problems with browser notifications:

  • Notifications don't work when the browser is closed
  • Permissions must be explicitly granted when prompted
  • Unreliable on some operating systems

Troubleshooting steps:

  • Check browser notification permissions in settings
  • Ensure system "Do Not Disturb" mode is disabled
  • For reliable notifications, install FluffyChat or Element desktop client

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Matrix Space?

A Space is similar to a Discord server or Slack workspace - a collection of related rooms organized in a hierarchy for our workshop community.

Is Matrix secure?

Yes, the University of Cologne Matrix installation offers end-to-end encryption for all communications. This means only you and the intended recipients can read your messages.

Can I use multiple devices with my Matrix account?

Yes, you can log in from multiple devices simultaneously. Messages and history will sync across all devices. New devices must be verified for security.

How long are chat histories stored?

According to university policy, chat histories in Matrix are stored for up to six months before being deleted. This applies to all chat types (groups, direct messages, etc.).

Who can see my messages?

  • Messages in public rooms within the space can be seen by all space members
  • Direct messages are only visible to participants and are encrypted
  • All messages are tied to your Matrix ID (MXID)

How do I find specific content or people?

Use the search function in your Matrix client. Both FluffyChat and Element have good search capabilities - look for the search icon or use keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F in Element).

What if I need help?

  • For university Matrix technical support: Contact the ITCC Helpdesk
  • For space-specific questions: Ask in the #general room or contact space moderators
  • For workshop content questions: Use the #q-a room within the space

Troubleshooting

  • Try manually searching for #sfb1252-talks:uni.koeln in your client's room directory
  • Ensure you're logged into the correct homeserver (uni.koeln for university staff)
  • Clear your browser cache if using the web client

I get a permissions error when joining

  • Verify your Matrix account is properly set up
  • Contact a space administrator for assistance
  • Check if your homeserver can federate with uni.koeln

I'm not receiving notifications

  • Install a desktop client instead of using the browser
  • Check your device's notification settings
  • Verify your security key setup if using the university server

Space Organization

Our Matrix space is organized into three focused rooms:

  • 🏛️ SFB General: Welcome, important announcements, general SFB 1252 discussions, and workshop-related topics
  • 📊 Research Data Management: Dedicated space for RDM discussions, tools, best practices, and data management questions
  • 🐱 Katzentisch: Off-topic conversations, memes, coffee break chat, and anything that doesn't fit elsewhere (every serious research group needs a place to be silly)

Getting Started Checklist

  • [ ] Create or access your Matrix account
  • [ ] Install a Matrix client (Element recommended)
  • [ ] Join the SFB 1252 Talks & Workshops space
  • [ ] Set up notifications and security features
  • [ ] Introduce yourself in the #general room
  • [ ] Join rooms that match your interests
  • [ ] Review the community guidelines

This guide is maintained by the SFB 1252 Research Data and Methods team. For questions or suggestions, please contact us through the Matrix space or via our usual communication channels.