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Overview

Join us for one of two participatory research events exploring the future of data stewardship. In collaboration with the Research Data Alliance’s Data Steward Careers Track Working Group, the University of Sheffield Library and CaSDaR are bringing together people from across the sector to co-create Data Steward personas. Bursaries are available for in-person attendance, and this event is offered as a hybrid sessions. This event is one of two events run in collaboration with UCL’s Office for Open Science and Scholarship and STEP-UP.

As the volume and complexity of research data continue to grow, so does the essential role of Data Stewards—professionals who ensure that data is shareable, reusable, and aligned with FAIR principles. Although many roles, including librarians, archivists, Research Software Engineers (RSEs), research managers, technicians, and researchers routinely perform data stewardship activities, the position of “Data Steward” remains under-defined and often under-recognised in many countries. 

Existing work largely focuses on defining the responsibilities of Data Stewards and the skills and training required to succeed in these roles. However, there is limited attention on establishing clear, sustainable career pathways for Data Stewards. The RDA Data Steward Career Tracks Working Group (WG), part of the Research Data Alliance, aims to address this gap by developing a systematic methodology for defining data steward personas and mapping potential career pathways for these roles. 

This hands-on workshop introduces the concept of employee personas—semi-fictional profiles that reflect the motivations, needs, and challenges of data stewards. Through discussion and collaborative activities, participants will help shape practical profiles that organisations can use to enhance job design, professional development, training pathways, and HR practices.

This event will bring together key stakeholders to contribute to the WG’s work by collaboratively developing Data Steward Personas. This work will deliver two major outcomes: stronger evidence to support the RDA’s methodology for developing Data Steward personas, and a set of personas that will directly inform the collaborative groups’ work in defining the role, establishing skills frameworks, and shaping future career pathways, and will provide a networking opportunity for attendees.

The session will begin with a brief introduction to the Working Group’s objectives, followed by an interactive workshop. Lunch will be provided (for those attending in person) with opportunities for networking and informal discussion throughout. 

Target Audience / Prerequisites:

This workshop is suitable for individuals currently working in, or closely connected to, data stewardship—including librarians, archivists, RSEs, research managers, technicians, researchers, and established Data Stewards. It is especially relevant for those interested in shaping or understanding potential career trajectories for Data Stewards and contributing to the development of representative personas. 

Location Information

We are offering two hybrid events; one online on the 14^th April 2026 and another at UCL on the 22^nd April 2026, as part of the London Open Science and Scholarship Festival 2026. Bursaries are available for in-person attendance, and both events are offered as hybrid sessions (please note that the deadline for applying for bursaries for this event is the 15^th April 2026). Please note that this event page is for the London Event on the 22nd April. If you wish to find out more about the Online Event on the 14th April click here.

Bursary Support

If you would like to apply for bursary to support your attendance, then please click on this link to fill out the form.

Ethics Notice

As this workshop involves the collection of data that will be shared as an output, ethical approval has been secured. We will request your consent at the start of the session.