Data Champions: leading the way to proper research data management

Presentation given by Esther Plomp at the "FAIR Data - the Key to Sustainable Research" seminar at Tartu University Library on the 9th of April 2019.

Data Champions are experts in data management who share their experience with their group/department members. They are volunteers that act as advocates for good data management and sharing practises and they help their Faculty’s Data Steward with disciplinary specific understandings of Research Data Management (RDM). The Data Champion programme started in September 2018 at the TU Delft and is open to researchers from all levels (PhD students to professors) as well as support staff (data managers, software developers and technicians). As the Data Champions are members of all faculties and various departments of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) they form a network across the university campus. The Champions are invited for meetings where they interact with each other and share their experiences, such as achievements and problems that they encounter in managing data and software. They are also encouraged to participate at a national and international level by being informed on current trends in data management and there is a travel grant available that allows them to participate in RDM events, trainings and workshops. At TU Delft they are actively working together with the Data Stewards on RDM policy development as well as involved in more practical activities such as coding support and Software Carpentry workshops. These activities increase the visibility and impact of the Data Champions, recognise their data management efforts, and offer them opportunities to learn new skills which they can share with their local community members.