There is not one way to becoming a data steward—this role attracts professionals from diverse fields, from researchers and librarians to IT specialists. What truly matters is the commitment and motivation of the individual embarking on this journey to become a data superhero. And just like Batman needs his trusted ally Robin, data stewards rely on the partnership of their institution. Without institutional support, their work would be much more challenging and far less effective.
Why Should Institutions Support Data Stewards in Their Training?
A well-trained data steward ensures efficient data organization, secure storage, and management in line with FAIR principles. Investing in the education and support of data stewards pays off by improving data management, enhancing research efficiency, and increasing international recognition. For instance, training data stewards in personal data protection, copyright law, or funder requirements helps minimize the risk of legal issues or unintended ethical violations.
How to Support Your Data Steward?
- Organizational Support
A clearly defined data steward role, strong leadership backing, and integration into research teams enable them to work effectively. - Support in Training and Experience Sharing
Encouraging participation in conferences, workshops, and community activities benefits not only data stewards but also the entire institution by keeping up with the latest trends. - Access to Tools and Technologies
Data stewards need access to software, repositories, and analytical tools to perform their tasks efficiently.
How to Train a Data Steward vs. How to Become One
Institutions aiming to train data stewards should take a systematic approach—offering targeted education, access to expert resources, and opportunities for practical application. On the other hand, individuals aspiring to become data stewards should actively seek relevant training and develop skills in research data management.
How to Choose the Right Training?
Effective training is built on best practices, expert materials, and methodological guidelines. Key resources include international frameworks for data management, FAIR principles guides, and best practices for creating Data Management Plans (DMPs).
A comprehensive overview of training opportunities, recommended resources, and tools can be found in the Beginner’s Data Steward Manual.
What you should consider during the onboarding process...
...as a data steward
- Master the Basics
Familiarize yourself with key concepts such as FAIR principles, data management, metadata, and the essential tools for your role. - Understand Your Institution
Talk to colleagues about existing data practices and policies within your institution. This will help you grasp researchers’ specific needs and challenges. - Join Training Programs
Plan your learning journey with in-person or online courses and educational materials tailored to your needs. - Provide Active Project Support
Your role includes assisting with funding applications and ensuring compliance with funder requirements. - Engage with the Community
Join professional groups and forums to build valuable connections and share experiences. You can also add yourself to the Data Stewards Map to become more visible in the community.
...as an institution
- Introduce the New Team Member
Ensure the data steward is formally introduced and highlight their benefits for research projects. - Develop a Training Strategy
Establish a clear development plan, defining the data steward’s role and competencies within the organization. - Support Education and Training
Provide access to internal or external training programs and allocate time and resources for professional growth. - Encourage Hands-on Experience
Facilitate collaboration between data stewards, researchers, IT specialists, and other experts. - Promote Community Engagement
Enable participation in conferences, workshops, and international initiatives to foster knowledge-sharing.
How Do Data Stewards Themselves View Professional Development?
"The university management recognized and valued the professional role of data stewards from the beginning. When I started, I received specific training on data management and open science practices, in addition to my prior knowledge. We also benefited from educational materials and support from other European institutions."
Sara Coppini,
Data Steward at the University of Bologna
"Practical activities, whether online or in person, are the most effective. For example, in a PhD course on data management plans (DMPs), we noticed that students initially didn’t see the relevance. In the next edition, we made it a hands-on workshop, guiding students through the DMP template step by step. Having someone start the process with you can make all the difference."
„Help each other out and share good practices.“
„The meetings or events run by the Data Stewards Interest Group (DSIG) are a great way to learn about the best practices for managing research data.“
"The biggest challenge for researchers is ensuring that personal or sensitive data is anonymized or de-identified. It would be great to have some training or workshops on GDPR and different anonymization techniques or tools that are out there."
Manali Das,
Data Steward at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
To Be Continued...
Don’t miss the next episode of our series, Guardians of Data: Mission FAIR – Follow us on social media and be among the first to know when the next episode is released!
