Are you passionate about good research data management? Do you support FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reuseable) research principles? Are you looking to boost your career with some peer engagement?

The Research Data Management Facility at the Office of Scholarly Communication are looking for people who would like to volunteer to become Data Champions within their departments, institutes and colleges to provide local expertise about research data management (RDM) issues.

Who can become a Data Champion?
Anyone interested in research data management and sharing who would like to become the local expert on research data management (RDM) can become a Data Champion. We welcome researchers, students, librarians, IT managers, data managers, other members of staff and anyone with a keen interest in RDM. We welcome applications from those working in all subject areas under the broad auspices of the arts, humanities, social sciences and STEM disciplines.

What will be required of you?
Data Champions promote good RDM and support for FAIR research principles in a variety of ways. For example:
– delivering workshops on data handling and other related training at their departments/institutions
– one-to-one or group mentoring
– promoting/participating in development of data management tools
– participating in open research studies
– other relevant activities.

Individual Data Champions have opportunities for personal and professional development by interacting with their community at the University and by participating in external training and meetings. Data Champions are also encouraged to participate in and liaise with similar local and international initiatives or activities across the globe. As a community, Data Champions communicate with each other (personally, via the internet, and during bi-monthly Data Champion forums) to share their experiences and discuss progress, achievements, problems and any other issues.

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Data Champion via the Research Data Management Facility website.