The event highlighted the need for more structured, well-documented, and accessible data, as research increasingly becomes data-driven and interdisciplinary. Attention was drawn to open data, evidence-based policy, and fostering dialogue for a more interoperable and innovative research ecosystem.
The conference featured a wide range of renowned experts from Europe and North America, including policymakers such as the President of the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research, directors of domain-specific research infrastructures like CESSDA, DARIAH, and CLARIN, as well as researchers and university representatives. The event was organised by the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) and the Romanian Social Data Archive (RODA), with support from the EEA and Norway Grants.
Key takeaways from the event included the need to:
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Strengthen the connection between research and policymaking, for example by making research results more accessible to policymakers;
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Remove barriers to data sharing, including by improving interoperability and metadata standards;
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Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, for example by promoting the use of standardized vocabularies and methodologies, and by building trust between researchers from different fields.
DANS’ contribution to the event included Ingrid Dillo, who participated in a panel discussion on the EOSC, addressing how it can stimulate collaboration and data sharing across disciplines. Simon Saldner took part in a panel on Data Stewardship and presented the newly launched Dutch RDNL Platform project, which aims to further professionalise the role of data stewards.
In summary, the event led to a fruitful discussion on how to foster interdisciplinary research and how collaboration between science and policy can lead to real-world impact. For more information, photos, and highlights, visit the BRIDGE Conference website.
