From Workshops to Community - Advancing Data Stewardship in Germany
Abstract
The Data Stewardship goes Germany (DSgG) workshop series has evolved into a key platform for networking and community development among data stewards in Germany. Insights from the 2023 and 2024 workshops highlighted critical structural gaps in the field of data stewardship in Germany. These include the absence of clear career paths, limited institutional recognition, and a lack of coordinated support and collaboration. In response, three working groups were formed to address these issues, focusing on Vision and Strategy, Channels and Yellow Pages, and the Challenges of Data Stewardship. At the same time, dialogue was initiated with existing initiatives such as the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) and the DINI/nestor AG Forschungsdaten to foster alignment, avoid duplication of effort, and establish the emerging community within the German research data landscape. This talk presents the current status and vision of the emerging German Data Stewardship Community. Our goal is to professionalise data stewardship and create an inclusive, collaborative, and nationally recognised community. Participants are invited to contribute their perspectives and actively shape the next phase of development. Data stewardship in Germany is at a turning point, and collective action is required to realise its full potential.