On April 7, the data steward community gathered at Masaryk University in Brno, where participants had the opportunity not only to learn about the latest developments in research data but also to engage in discussions on the ethical and legal aspects of data management and other research data-related topics.
The meeting’s program was rich and diverse. The morning featured a series of reports and presentations—ranging from updates on the National Repository Platform (NRP) to highlights from international events such as FairFest and the International Digital Curation Conference 2025 (IDCC25). Participants also learned about the mapping of the research community, an awareness campaign supporting data stewards, and observed practical demonstrations of how to create Data Management Plans according to funding agency requirements.
Particular interest was sparked by thematic blocks focused on legal and ethical aspects of research data management. Věra Fraňková addressed issues of trust, transparency, and accountability in the context of modern science. Legal experts Anna Tůmová and Matěj Uchytil answered specific questions from the audience and the Discord platform—covering topics such as handling research data in project partnerships, authorship, and the legal responsibilities of database operators.
Attention was also drawn to a draft of a new law, expected to replace the current Act No. 130/2002 Coll. as of January 1, 2026. This draft not only introduces a shift in terminology—from "research data" to "data from research"—but also proposes a simplified approach to sharing such data. While international standards emphasize the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), the new draft mentions only "FAR"—emphasizing accessibility without requiring interoperability. This raised debate over potential impacts on the quality and usability of shared research data.
The next in-person data steward community meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2025. You can also look forward to the Summer School for Data Stewards, taking place June 3–5 in Ostrava.
The Czech data steward community met online on February 4 to discuss key updates, including the release of the Beginner’s Guide for Data Stewards, an ongoing campaign, and an open survey on the use of AI tools in practice.
On November 28, Tomas Bata University in Zlín hosted an EOSC CZ networking event focused on advancing open science and implementing FAIR principles. The event took place in the unique university library designed by renowned architect Eva Jiřičná, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration in science.
