[en] Atomic and molecular collisions play a key role in magnetic fusion energy research. This role has been intensified by recent emphasis on the importance of the cooler edge plasma in insulating the vessel walls from the hot plasma core, and on magnetic divertors used to remove impurity species from the plasma. Many important plasma diagnostic measurements also require accurate data for specific collision processes. In this paper, an overview is presented of worldwide activities directed toward the compilation, critical evaluation and assessment of atomic and molecular collision data for fusion applications. Data requirements are identified, and a summary is presented of the status of the available database, along with references to recent publications. (orig.)