Renewal and expansion of the Data Stations
This year, DANS further developed the Data Stations, focusing on both user-friendliness and technological innovation. Improvements to the infrastructure and the introduction of new tools, such as automatic metadata enrichment and version control, have made the secure archiving of research data easier and more efficient. Additionally, connections have been established with national and international data portals, improving both the findability and reusability of datasets.
A remarkable milestone in these developments was achieved by the Data Station Archaeology, which passed the barrier of 150,000 securely archived and shared datasets in 2024. This achievement not only reflects growth, but also underlines the trust placed in DANS’ facilities.
Transition to a modern infrastructure
The completion of the migration to the DANS Data Stations also marked the phasing out of several familiar systems. The decommissioning of EASY, a general repository for research data, marked a significant transition. Also NARCIS, the national portal for research information, was discontinued in 2024. These changes enable DANS to focus on strengthening the new infrastructure and supporting FAIR data archiving.
International projects and collaborations
In 2024, DANS continued to maintain its reputation as a reliable partner in European projects. Contributions were made to initiatives such as LTER-LIFE and SSHOC-NL, where we collaborated to improve data ecosystems and digital infrastructures. We were also involved in updates to platforms including the ARIADNE portal and the ELSST Thesaurus, thereby enhancing access to research data across disciplines.
Within the FAIR-IMPACT project, DANS achieved meaningful results. As coordinator, we support the development of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), an ambitious effort to implement FAIR practices, tools, and services at European, national, and institutional levels. This involvement led to workshops, practical tools, and actionable outcomes that assist researchers across Europe in accessing FAIR data infrastructures.
FAIR-IMPACT National Roadshow and RDNL Dutch Data Prize
One of this year’s highlights was the FAIR-IMPACT National Roadshow, which brought together professionals, researchers, and policymakers to discuss FAIR data. During the event, the RDNL Dutch Data Prize was awarded, recognising contributions to open and reusable research data in the Netherlands.
Knowledge sharing, training, and engagement
Besides developing infrastructure, DANS remains a key player in sharing knowledge and training data professionals. This year, we provided various training opportunities, including the successful RDNL Essentials 4 Data Support course and specialised workshops addressing GDPR-related challenges.
The DANS Open Day was well-received, offering researchers, data experts, and other interested parties an opportunity to learn more about our services and projects. This event provided a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
DANS also contributed to online discussions, such as the panel ‘Do Unacceptable File Formats Exist?’, and offered practical guidance to early-career researchers on open science and quality data storage practices.
Building the future
Through these achievements, DANS has contributed further to strengthening open science and FAIR data in 2024. The year was marked by significant milestones, including the growth of the Data Station Archaeology, modernisation of our infrastructure, and international engagement.
Looking ahead to 2025, DANS remains committed to further innovation, including the integration of AI and machine learning, while we continue to invest in collaborations, training, and projects that promote data reuse.
We look back with satisfaction on a year of continued progress towards a future in which data is secure, accessible, and reusable for all.
