Having started from within the framework of the HUN-REN Data Repository Platform (HUN-REN ARP) project, since October 1st 2024 all institutions of the HUN-REN (Hungarian Research Network) now have a designated data steward (full-time) position. The initiative proved to be of success: it has received support from the HUN-REN HQ for the coming year (in the form of funding as well).

RDC at CSS got involved as a founding member of the ARP project because of having had operated an institutional repository (both for research data and publications) for almost a decade at the start of ARP in 2021. Our work in the initial phases of the ARP project included coordinating the needs assessment regarding data repository functions among HUN-REN researchers in 2022 essential for software development purposes. The needs assessment was the largest survey (using both quantitative and qualitative methodology) on the data management practices, needs and hardships of the Hungarian research community to date. As such, it provided vital insight into the current Hungarian research data management landscape. This information proved to be transformative when it came to one of RDC’s main role in the ARP project: to create policies, regulations and – most importantly from the perspective of the formation of the data steward network – proposals to decision-makers at the HUN-REN HQ. After analysing all the survey and interview data, we have concluded that the need for data stewards in each and every HUN-REN institution is immediate and essential.

Our proposal received support, and RDC contributed to developing the concept in detail. In the first year of the network’s operation (October 2024 – October 2025), the focus for the newly appointed data stewards was on 1) acquiring the necessary knowledge for serving their research community, 2) mapping and understanding researchers and ongoing research at the institutions, and 3) preparing an institutional research data management policy. The achievement of these goals was supported by a data steward training and mentoring program jointly organized by RDC and HUN-REN HQ. Throughout the first year, the development of the training content and structure, delivery of lectures, invitation of external speakers, and organization and evaluation of the final exams were carried out jointly by KDK and the HUN-REN HQ, coordinated by Anna Horváth (RDC CSS) and Henrietta Farkas (HUN-REN HQ).

The training’s first intensive phase took place from October to December 2024. The first phase of the training had multiple goals: it focused on acquiring fundamental knowledge about modern research data management, introducing key practical solutions, and outlining the practical and theoretical competencies necessary for fulfilling data steward roles. Additionally, emphasis was placed on networking among data stewards from different scientific fields and preparing for both individual and institutional tasks as well as collaborative, network-level work. The training included interconnected theoretical and practical sessions, conducted in an interactive format, primarily in person, with online participation options. From January to October 2025 came the second phase, with monthly sessions and ongoing mentoring, a greater focus on specific topics, and more local work by the data stewards in their institutions.

We have recently received the news that the HUN-REN Data Steward network is continually supported by the HUN-REN HQ, so all of us can go on with the essential and meaningful work we have been doing this past year.

With the establishment of the Data Steward Network and the involvement of the Centre for Social Sciences (TK), data stewards have become present and available in all other research centres and institutes across all major scientific fields to support HUN-REN researchers.

 

CSS’s data steward: Enikő Meiszterics, staff member of RDC. Contact: meiszterics.eniko@tk.hu