Unifying Research Data Management in Latvia: From Institutional Silos to a National Framework
Abstract
This presentation highlights Latvia's transition from fragmented, institution-level research data management practices toward a coordinated national framework. It introduces the Latvian Data Stewards Network, its aims, services, and the establishment of a national research data repository. The initiative mentioned in the presentation focuses on strengthening data stewardship skills, promoting good practices, and supporting metadata quality and data publication. It also contributes to building a sustainable, FAIR principles aligned and collaborative research data ecosystem in Latvia.
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Unifying Research Data Management in Latvia: From Institutional Silos to a National Framework Latvian Data Stewards Network, 2025 CC BY 4.0 Open Science Festival ‘25, Vienna, Austria, 08.09.2025 Mihails Korcevskis & Danija Malceva
Situation One Year Ago 08.09.2025 2 ▪Diverse ICT tools usage between and within the universities and scientific institutions ▪Differences in update frequency and documentation detail levels ▪DMPs were prepared selectively and perceived as formal requirement, not a value-adding tool ▪Limited use of DMPs for research planning without quality control ▪Absence of clear regulatory requirements, good practices were not systematically applied
Aims of the Project 08.09.2025 3 ▪Establish a network of data stewards and support services ▪Enhance data stewardship skills through internal training and external expertise ▪Promote good practices of research data management within institutions ▪Set up a research data repository on a national level ▪Offer guidance to facilitate clear metadata description and proper publication of research data ▪Build partnerships with research groups and institutions to align standards, and enhance access to support data reuse
▪Latvian Data Stewards Network Services: 1. Institutional data management 2. RDM support 3. Training and seminars ▪IT Services: 1. National research data repository DataverseLV 2. ICT tool catalogues Current Results 08.09.2025 4
Findings 08.09.2025 5 ▪Services gain value only when communicated, requiring both an individual approach and effective promotion ▪Authority and funding are the key drivers of successful implementation and adoption of best practices ▪Diverse research directions and skillsets within our university teams create opportunities for mutual learning, internal training, and knowledge exchange ▪Our teams drive the adoption of FAIR principles and Open Science by guiding researchers, and ensuring research outputs are more visible, transparent, and reusable
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Project Funding This material was developed within the project “Support for implementing Open Science, developing solutions for shared use of research data, and participation in the EOSC” (RRF Project No. 2.1.3.1.i) with the financial support of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Republic of Latvia.