Turning FAIR Principles into Practice: Enhancing Institutional Research Data Services

During the FAIR-IMPACT support programme, the library advanced preservation planning, improved metadata standards, and increased FAIR alignment. User needs were explored through interviews and testing. Governance gaps were identified and are being addressed. CoreTrustSeal readiness progressed, and internal clarity and external visibility of services significantly improved.

FAIR-IMPACT’s Support Programme for Repositories and Data Service Providers aimed to help participants better understand their drivers for becoming more FAIR-enabling, self-assess their current FAIR-enabling capacity, develop an action plan with considerations for stakeholder engagement, and to work on implementing this. The support programme ran between September 2024 and March 2025, during which six virtual workshops and continuous dedicated and tailored mentoring support was offered to help participants identify and establish their unique journey toward becoming more FAIR-enabling. This FAIR Implementation Story outlines the specific aims and actions of Helsinki University Library in relation to their participation in this Support Programme.