Supporting Helmholtz’s research communities in making their data FAIR is one of the key missions of HMC. A multi-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was developed to understand current data management practices in research field Matter. Quantitative information was obtained from data that was self-reported by Helmholtz’s researchers in the HMC Community Survey 2021. Complementary data on Open and FAIR data practices in research field Matter, gathered in a data mining approach, is visualized in a dashboard. Qualitative understanding of community-specific FAIR data practices was obtained from a manual FAIR assessment based on the FAIR Data Maturity Model. Here we report on a combined interpretation of HMC Hub Matter’s findings from this multi-method approach. Three key areas for future action by HMC Hub Matter are discussed, such as (1) bridging policy and practicability, (2) creating a culture of data reuse, and (3) monitoring and engaging with technical infrastructure.