Fourth EOSC CZ networking hosted by Tomas Bata University in Zlín

How do you see the importance of open science in your field? Can sharing data between scientists accelerate scientific progress, for example, in testing the biological properties of biomaterials?

The principles of open science have a significant impact on the scientific community and can help accelerate scientific progress. Data sharing is essential in my field, which is interdisciplinary research on biomaterials and the study of their relationships with living organisms. Aggregating data from different sources allows for a better understanding of complex interactions while fulfilling the principles of scientific repeatability and comparability. Sharing data can also reduce duplication of research and make more efficient use of public resources.

How can universities better promote open access to scientific data and train young researchers in its management?

There is a need to create a supportive institutional environment that explains the importance of open data. Infrastructure is important, but above all, it is a culture of openness. Unfortunately, many scientists today see data management as just another administrative burden. This needs to change if open science is to be fully operational.

What is the importance of sharing research data for effective interdisciplinary collaboration?

Interdisciplinary collaboration is a source of key results. Sharing FAIR data can facilitate communication between different disciplines and overcome barriers that would otherwise slow progress. Access to data from colleagues in other fields is essential in my research, which sits at the intersection of biology, materials science, and medicine.

How do you see the contribution of data stewards to science teams?

This role is still underestimated. Data management is often left to the scientists who have neither the time nor the expertise. The profession needs to be developed and data stewards need to be integrated as full members of scientific teams.

The last question concerns the EOSC initiative, which develops a data infrastructure and promotes scientific data's long-term preservation and sharing. Is it important that scientists and researchers have access to this service?

In a word, very. It's probably not worth elaborating too much. This initiative is very important not only in terms of creating an institutional environment, but I also appreciate the educational role that you are carrying out.

Interview with Barbara Loskotová:
Open science has a future, and I want to be part of its development.

What led you to the role of data steward at your university?

I was approached by the library director and the vice-chancellor for science and research to become a data steward. My focus on open science stems mainly from the IKAROS project, where I worked on Open Access and Open Science. I am interested in research data management because these are key activities.

How do the Open Science Centres work at UTB?

So far, I am the only data steward at UTB, which means that I collaborate across faculties. I help scientists review data management plans (DMPs) or advise them on how to share and publish data. I also work on educating scientists about FAIR principles, so they know the benefits of systematic data management.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for data stewardship in the Czech Republic?

The main challenge is the need for more staff and resources. Many universities need more capacity to meet the needs in this area. In addition, there needs to be more comprehensive training and methodology to prepare new data stewards for the specific challenges they will encounter.

Do you have specific examples where your support has helped the research team?

Yes, for example, I helped a Faculty of Applied Informatics team prepare a DMP for their Horizon Europe project. With a clearly defined data management plan, they got a better evaluation of the application and more easily set up processes for sharing data with other researchers.

What motivates you the most in your work as a data steward?

The biggest motivation for me is to see concrete results, where my work facilitates scientists' activities and at the same time helps to improve the quality of scientific outputs. I believe that open science has a future, and I want to be part of its development.

Photo: Lucie Skřičková