RDM

Introduction to Data Stewardship [UCC MicroCred, Jan-Mar 2027, Bursary Call Open]

Introduction to Data Stewardship

UCC is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the second delivery of DH5001: Introduction to Data Stewardship, a 5-credit NFQ Level 9 micro-credential offered by Sonraí Irish Data Stewardship Network in partnership with University College Cork.

As research becomes increasingly data intensive and as funders place greater emphasis on research data management, FAIR data practices and open research, there is a growing need for professionals with data stewardship expertise. This microcredential provides a practical introduction to these areas and supports the development of skills that are increasingly valued across research, higher education and other areas. 

Feedback from our first cohort was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the relevance and value of the course for those working with research data. You can read Margaret Irons reflections on the programme in this LibFocus blog: Developing RDM expertise: A Librarian’s Review of the Introduction to Data Stewardship Micro-Credential

The programme is suitable:

  • Researchers and research support staff
  • Librarians and information professionals
  • Data stewards and data managers
  • Technical and IT professionals supporting research
  • Research administrators and compliance staff
  • Postgraduate students seeking specialist research data management skills

Course Details

  • Start Date: 11 January 2027
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • Delivery: Hybrid (online and in-person)
  • In-person workshop: 12 January 2027, UCC campus
  • Credits: 5 ECTS
  • NFQ Level: 9

Bursary Opportunities

Through Sonraí Irish Data Stewardship Network, three bursary places are available for eligible applicants. These bursaries are intended to support individuals who wish to develop their expertise in data stewardship and contribute to strengthening national capacity in research data management and stewardship.

Closing date for bursary applications: 20 November 2026

Further information on eligibility and condition of the bursary scheme is available here: Bursary Details 2027

For more information and to apply follow the instructions and information on the DH5001 – Microcredential . For instructions on how to use the UCC Apply platform use this link.

You will find more general information about the course and the bursary scheme on Sonraí Irish Data Stewardship Network.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with colleagues, researchers, postgraduate students, and professional staff who may be interested in developing their knowledge and skills in research data stewardship.

If you have any questions, please contact researchdata@ucc.ie. 

DARIAH-CH Training Series 2026–2027: Building Digital Skills for the Arts and Humanities [from Sept 4, Online]

DARIAH-CH Training Series 2026–2027: Building Digital Skills for the Arts and Humanities

DARIAH-CH and its national partners are pleased to announce the DARIAH-CH Training Series 2026–2027, a new programme of online training sessions designed to introduce researchers to the methods, tools, and good practices that are shaping digital scholarship in the arts and humanities.

The series is aimed primarily at early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, master’s students, and anyone new to Digital Humanities who wishes to develop practical digital research skills. No prior technical knowledge is required.

Over eleven sessions, participants will explore fundamental topics in arts and digital humanities. The programme combines conceptual foundations with practical demonstrations and hands-on examples, enabling participants to understand both the underlying principles and their application to humanities research.

Each 90-minute online session consists of:

  • 40 minutes of theoretical introduction,
  • 30 minutes of practical demonstrations or hands-on activities,
  • 20 minutes of questions and discussion.

To support continued learning, all sessions will be accompanied by Open Educational Resources (OER) that participants can consult after the training.

Register

To take part in the series, register here and you’ll receive all the Zoom connection details by email.

Survey on research (meta)data quality [EOSC-EDEN]

Survey on research (meta)data quality [EOSC-EDEN]

Have you encountered any issues when it comes to sharing, finding, accessing, and working with research data? If you are: 

  • a researcher who works with data on a daily basis, 
  • a professional who manages or curates research data 
  • a professional who works with the technical infrastructure required for managing or curating research data,

then your perspective on the future of FAIR long-term data preservation is invaluable. 

We invite you to fill out a survey that investigates how research communities work with research data, and how data archives and repositories work with the different aspects that contribute to the quality of research (meta)data

The Horizon Europe-funded EOSC EDEN project investigates and develops strategies for curation and long-term preservation of research data. One important aspect of the project is to collect insights from researchers and preservation professionals, with the aim of turning identified challenges into actionable improvements. Your professional insights will support our work on:

  • Improving and standardising curation and preservation practices
  • Developing the services and tools needed to enhance digital preservation strategies
  • Enabling the reusability of research data
  • Bridging knowledge across disciplines
  • Equipping researchers with the knowledge to answer central research questions

Whether you work at a repository or in research, in a large organisation or a small team, and whatever your discipline or career stage, we would like to hear from you. Multiple responses from the same organisation are welcome, and we encourage you to share information about the survey with your professional networks. 

Filling out the survey should take between 20-30 minutes to complete, and we will keep it open until Monday, 31st August, 2026. 

You can find the survey here: https://nettskjema.no/a/eosc-eden-survey-2026.

For any questions about the survey or the work of EOSC EDEN, please contact Helene N. Andreassen (Project Task Lead) at helene.n.andreassen@uit.no.

Thank you for sharing your experience — your contribution is greatly valued!

Sonraí, DANS, and CaSDaR Masterclass – influencing & advocating [22 June, online]

Practical masterclass on influencing stakeholders and advocating for data stewardship

Sonraí, DANS, and CaSDaR will hold an online masterclass on June 22nd

Effective data stewardship depends not only on technical expertise, but also on the ability to communicate its value to decision-makers and wider stakeholder groups.

Join Sonraí, DANS, and CaSDaR for a practical masterclass on influencing stakeholders and advocating for data stewardship.

In this interactive 2-hour webinar, data stewards will learn techniques to communicate ideas more persuasively with senior stakeholders and non-expert audiences. The session will cover:

  • How to develop a clear and compelling business case
  • Ways to use plain English to improve understanding and engagement
  • How to communicate styles for different audiences
  • How to build stakeholder understanding, support, and buy-in
  • How to present recommendations, proposals, and initiatives with greater impact

Participants will explore these approaches through the lens of communicating specialist and technical information to broader stakeholder groups, with practical tips that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

We look forward to welcoming data stewards, researchers, research support professionals, and anyone involved in advancing good data practices across their organisation.

Register and more information at this link: https://bit.ly/4ecruxA