DANS recently co-organised the Masterclass ‘Advocacy Skills for Data Stewards’, focusing on the skills data stewards and other research data professionals need to support change within their organisations. The session explored how data professionals can communicate the importance of good research data management practices, build support among stakeholders and encourage others to become advocates for FAIR data.
The Masterclass was facilitated by Damian McCourt from DCM Learning, an experienced coach and consultant specialised in designing and delivering tailored training programmes across different sectors.
The training was organised in collaboration with DANS Training Coordinator Deborah Thorpe, Sonraí (the Irish Data Stewardship Network), and CaSDaR (the Careers and Skills for Data-driven Research Network+ in the UK). By bringing together perspectives from different research communities, the Masterclass created space for shared learning and exchange on the evolving role of data stewards and the wider research data community.
The session also highlighted the RDNL national training and community platform for research data professionals. Within this project, the Research Data Professional Competency Framework identifies transversal skills, including advocacy skills, as an important competency area for research data professionals. These skills complement technical expertise and support professionals in strengthening good data practices within their organisations.
The slides and recording of the Masterclass are now available. Visit the Sonraí website to access these resources and read a summary of the session.
Photo by NATHAN MULLET on Unsplash
