Sign in
Ctrl K

Terms of Service

Last Updated: 22.04.2025

These Terms of Service ("Terms") apply to the Plant Data Commons (the "PDC"), developed by IPK Gatersleben within the framework of NFDI4Biodiversity.

The PDC is hosted and maintained by IPK Gatersleben ("us", "we", and similar terms) in Germany. IPK Gatersleben is dedicated to advancing plant research through innovative data management and sharing solutions, addressing the critical need for accessible plant data in the scientific community.

1. What is the RSD

1.1 The PDC is an online collection of tools and services designed to support researchers throughout the research data lifecycle in plant science ("Plant Data"). Through the PDC, organizations ("Organizations") and individual users ("Users") can discover and access services that fit their specific research needs, enhancing the findability and usability of relevant tools in the field. The PDC provides entries related to these services, including relevant information about each service, its developers, project team members (each a "Contributor"), and metadata and hyperlinks to related publications (each a "Mention").

1.2 Users can access the PDC by logging in via ORCID as the supported identity provider ("Identity Provider"). When a User logs in for the first time, a PDC account ("Account") will be created automatically. Through this Account, a User can contribute information about services and tools to the PDC, provided they are registered as a maintainer ("Maintainer").

1.3 For an Organization to become a member ("Member") of the PDC, the Organization must contact the PDC Team ("PDC Team") to discuss the terms of membership. After an agreement is reached, the Organization will be registered as an official Member and may appoint a User as Maintainer of the Organization's information in the PDC.

2. User Responsibilities

When using the PDC, you agree to:

  • Be 18 years or older and legally authorized to conclude agreements under applicable laws.
  • Be authorized by your Organization to have and use an Account and to utilize the PDC.
  • Use the PDC only for your own and/or your Organization's purposes.
  • Provide at your own expense all necessary hardware, internet service, and devices for using the PDC.
  • Use the PDC in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Not submit incorrect, misleading, or unlawful information in the PDC.
  • Ensure your profile details are accurate and up to date.
  • Keep your log-in details secure and not share them with others.
  • Be responsible for all activity occurring under your Account.
  • Ensure your device and internet connection are secure.
  • Not use the PDC in violation of export controls or other legal restrictions.
  • You may delete your Account at any time; however, any information you contributed to the PDC will remain.

Let me know if you need any further modifications!

3. Our Commitments

3.1 We will try to respond to your questions about the PDC as soon as possible but do not provide ongoing support for individual Users. We may decide which functionalities are offered in the PDC and can update the PDC from time to time.

3.2 The PDC is provided "as is, where is". We do not guarantee full functionality, error-free operation, or continuous availability.

4. Personal Data

4.1 We process your personal data to offer you the RSD and make your Account available. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

4.2 We are the controller of personal data processed in the RSD as defined under the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

4.3 You are responsible for complying with applicable laws regarding personal data processing as a controller.

4.4 If you access personal data from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you agree to comply with the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses for data transfers.

4.5 You must inform Contributors when you add their information and correct any inaccuracies promptly.

4.6 If you violate GDPR or other data protection laws, you indemnify us from any resulting costs or damages.

5. Notice and Take Down

5.1 We do not moderate contributions but may be required to remove unlawful Content.

5.2 If you find unlawful Content, you may request its removal by providing necessary information.

5.3 We will remove unequivocally unlawful Content upon verification.

6. Account Blocking

6.1 We reserve the right to block or remove your Account if you violate these Terms or if required by authorities.

6.2 We will block a User’s account upon request of their family or Organization after verification of demise.

6.3 After blocking, you can no longer use your Account.

6.4 We may stop offering the PDC without liability.

7.1 Under all circumstances, we waive any liability for damages, direct or indirect, including but not limited to consequential or punitive damages, arising from your use of the PDC.

7.2 This waiver applies regardless of the nature of the claim, whether based in contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

7.3 Limitations on liability do not apply in cases of intent or gross negligence on our part.

7.4 We disclaim all warranties except as required by law.

7.5 You acknowledge and agree that these waivers are justified, given that we operate as a non-profit organization.

7.6 We are not liable for damages resulting from force majeure events.

7.7 Any claims resulting from your non-compliance with these Terms are your sole responsibility.

8. Changes to Terms

We may change these Terms from time to time. Changes will be made available to you upon log-in for your approval.

9. Miscellaneous

9.1 The legal relationship is governed by the laws of Germany.

9.2 The courts in the area of our main establishment have exclusive jurisdiction over any conflicts.

9.3 If any provision is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

9.4 Not enforcing a provision does not waive our right to enforce it at a later time.

9.5 The agreement is concluded in English, and the English version shall prevail.

9.6 Specific articles of the German Civil Code ("Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch", "BGB") apply to organizations outside of Germany.

9.7 You waive certain rights under the BGB.

10. Contact Us

For questions or complaints, please contact us at:

Manuel Feser
Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research
Corrensstraße 3
D-06466 Stadt Seeland, OT Gatersleben
Email: feser@ipk-gatersleben.de