#2 Data Steward Through the Eyes of a Scientist – We’re Looking for a Key Player

The second part of our series will show you that data stewards are indispensable allies in the dynamic world of modern science. They help researchers focus on what truly matters – scientific discovery itself.

Why is having a skilled data steward crucial for you
as a researcher?

With the support of a data steward, you can work with data more efficiently, reduce administrative burden, and ensure that your research is not only transparent and trustworthy but also more accessible to the broader scientific community.

A data steward is your key partner, guiding you through the entire lifecycle of research data – from initial project planning, data collection, and management, to analysis and final publication of results.

Proper Preparation = More Effective Research

Every scientific project starts with an idea and careful planning. A crucial part of this process is a responsible approach to data management, ensuring that data aligns with FAIR principles. This is where data stewards come into play – experts who support you right from the preparation phase of your project. Together, you’ll anticipate and address potential challenges that may arise during the project’s implementation.

A data steward will help you answer the following questions:

What volume of data will you be processing?
Where will you store the data during the project (data storage) and after it (repository)?
How will you ensure data security and accessibility?
Will you be handling sensitive data, and will GDPR regulations apply to you? Are there standardized data management procedures in your field (terminology, metadata, etc.)?
What tools and services are available to support data management?

Once you have answers to these questions, preparing a Data Management Plan (DMP) in the future will be much easier.

Project Implementation: Keeping Data Under Control

A data steward will support you with:

Completing or updating the Data Management Plan (DMP)Implementing and verifying agreed access controls, archiving, and versioningRegularly reviewing data functionality and ensuring correct terminology

If your project has been approved – congratulations! However, data management doesn’t end here, and it’s important to reconnect with your data steward. They will help you set up processes for data collection, storage, and documentation to ensure compliance with predefined standards.

A well-structured workflow guarantees that your data is securely stored, easily accessible to authorized personnel, and protected from loss or misuse. If required by your funding provider, a data steward can also assist with updating your Data Management Plan (DMP).

Project Completion: Impactful Outcomes

After completing your research, another crucial phase begins – publishing your results. A data steward will assist you in finalizing your dataset to meet the requirements of publishers, funding providers, or the project itself. A well-documented and organized dataset can be easily linked to a scientific article.

A data steward will help you with:

Finalizing the dataset, including proper metadata
Publishing the dataset in a selected repository
Assigning a persistent identifier and license

On the right way

With the support of a data steward, you can be sure that your data will be well taken care of during the preparation and after the successful publication of the results. So if you want your research to be effective, trustworthy and have the right impact, a data steward is the right partner. Proper preparation means more effective scientific progress.

Need your own data steward?

In the next part of our series, you’ll learn where to look for one or how to get started
In the meantime, check out the different types of data stewards (link to the previous part).

More about types of data stewards

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Through the Eyes of Experts

It is essential for the proper functioning of the data stewards in the team that they become an integral part of the research project. How to do it? We asked the experts.

Motivation needed

"My greatest motivation is seeing concrete results – when my work makes researchers' activities easier while also helping to enhance the quality of scientific outputs."

Barbora Loskotová,
Data Steward at Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Fully integrated

"It is necessary to develop this profession and integrate data stewards as full-fledged members of research teams."

Petr Humpolíček,
Vice-Rector at Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Networking at UTB Zlín

Educate yourself

"The role of a data steward is still new to many, but I believe that more frequent interactions, training, and active involvement in research planning will show scientists how data management contributes to research success."

Manali Das,
Data Steward at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

Networking at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

Recommended course

Want to learn more about responsible research data management? Sign up for an online lecture organized by EOSC CZ Training Centre.

training | CZ 4 March 2025

Fundamentals of Research Data Management

This course is held in the Czech language.

The lecture provides participants, especially PhD students, project data managers/curators/stewards or national or international grant investigators, with an insight into the basic practices of research data management (RDM) with an emphasis on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles and motivation in the context of Open Science (OS). Participants will be introduced to basic terminology and, through examples and discussion, will learn the fundamentals of good RDM practice. Graduates of the course will have a basic overview of the field of RDM in the context of OS, will be able to apply FAIR principles to their projects, and will know resources for further self-education in this area.

To Be Continued...

Don’t miss the next episode of our series, Guardians of Data: Mission FAIR – Follow us on social media and be among the first to know when the next episode is released!

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#1 The Journey of a Data Steward: Who is a data superhero?

The series' first episode takes you through the world of data stewards - the key players in modern research. Discover what the role of a data steward entails, how it supports research teams, and how you can become one.