The CODATA-RDA Schools instructors together with FAIRsFAIR, EOSC-Pillar, EOSC Synergy and Gdańsk University of Technology Library and the Open Science Competence Center, created in the framework of Bridge of Data project (MOST DANYCH project) at Gdańsk Tech Library, delivered a three day train-the-trainer workshop, from 6th to 10th September 2021.
A key aim of the workshop was to empower a network of peers where best practices are exchanged and where those with more experience can share their knowledge with those just getting started.
The workshop combined a series of theoretical and practical sessions, where participants were given the opportunity to interact and get to know other colleagues and exchange their experience in supporting researchers with RDM. The workshop aimed to introduce participants as data stewards to the key concepts and drivers for Open Science, RDM and FAIR principles, to enable the resulting network of practitioners in peer institutions who can collaborate, work and learn together. Participants were also introduced to key concepts of pedagogy and were able to put these in practice with a brief course design and development activity. In addition, attendees were asked to reflect on their own role as data stewards and got to evaluate the existing training offer and the status of RDM services in their respective institutions in perspective of training their members in the future.
Most of the participants had been in their data steward role (often managing data steward tasks besides regular duties) for less than 6 months and work on their own or in teams of less than 5 people. The workshop met the expectations of the participants, who had join with an interest to learn more about:
- the range of skills and knowledge associated with data stewardship,
- political drivers for RDM, FAIR and Open Data,
- how to explain the difference between FAIR and Open Data to researchers,
- how to provide and develop effective training using open learning resources,
- how to implement RDM services and advance FAIR data within their organization.
However, attendees identified also gaps and areas of improvement to support research activities in their respective institutions i.e. lack the required data management skills to effectively provide data services, lack sufficient time to handle the requirements of data management, lack of advisory services and trainings on RDM, DMPs as well as they confirmed the need of developing local peer network.
Participants valued the interactive and hands-on approach of the workshop and the networking opportunity that was offered. The event gathered more than 30 participants from the emerging RDM support staff community in the country. The workshop was conducted in English although there was a chance to speak Polish during all practical sessions as each break out room had the local moderator, a member of the Open Science Competence Center at Gdańsk Tech Library, to feedback in English.
The purpose of the workshop therefore was to provide better understanding on data stewardship, research data management process and support the development of data stewardship skills among staff in universities and other research institutions in Poland.
Event Page
Testimonials
by Aleksander Mroziński and Jakub Rusakow
"It is a great opportunity to get knowledge and skills about teaching others how to be a data steward."
"There are too few such training!"
"The idea of sharing knowledge and experience regarding data stewards training is very important for our University."
"I’m looking forward to the next workshop"