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Would you like to become a Data Champion?

We 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). 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 me?

Data Champions promote good RDM and support for FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) 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 bimonthly Data Champion forums) to share their experiences and discuss progress, achievements, problems and any other issues.

What are the benefits of becoming a Data Champion?

There are multiple benefits of joining the Data Champion programme at the University of Cambridge

  • Grow your networks
  • Get to know people interested in RDM from other Cambridge departments, institutes and colleges
  • Learn new skills:
  • Learn how to create and deliver workshops
    • Learn how to communicate effectively
    • Learn tips and tricks about creating engaging presentations
    • Learn more about RDM and the support available for researchers
  • Increase your impact:
    • Become the advocate for the RDM needs of your local community
    • Be the local expert on RDM
    • Become more visible by having your Data Champion profile created on the University of Cambridge Data Champions website
  • Boost your CV with an excellent extracurricular activity and transferable skills to support your career progression both within and outside academia

Will any support be provided?

There will be a wide range of support available:

  • Support with the preparation of a RDM workshop:
    • A standard RDM workshop already exists. Your role will be to tailor the content (language and examples) to reflect the needs of your community
    • Training on how to deliver workshops
  • University of Cambridge Data Champions forum:
    • You will be a member of the University of Cambridge Data Champions forum, which meets every two months to discuss any RDM-related issues, challenges and successes
  • Contact with the Research Data Team at the Office of Scholarly Communications
    • You can ask questions of the Research Data Team at any time

Next steps to becoming a Data Champion Simply fill in this application form by 31st March 2025. We will follow up on all applications shortly afterwards. If you have any questions, email us at info@data.cam.ac.uk