Background
Management of research data in a structured and sustainable manner requires knowledge, interest and skills. Throughout the years, employees at Danish research institutions have met to exchange knowledge of and develop tools for research data management (RDM). Previously, this occurred within DeiC’s DM Forum, DEFF and the Danish Research Data Alliance Node. However, when these initiatives ended, the need to sustain the contact and possibility for professional discussions of RDM continued. To accommodate this need, the National RDM Network was established in November 2020 with the primary goal to serve as an independent network of RDM professionals and others with this interest.
Purpose
Several of the network members have a front-office-function at their research institution. Therefore, most of the collaborations and sharing is concerned with front-office tasks, for example the dissemination of the FAIR principles, training and RDM competency development. However, the network can be used to develop and collaborate on competences and tools, and is open for all knowledge exchange and new initiatives relating to RDM.
By being part of the network you can get help to identify tools and resources for your daily RDM work. We also help each other stay up-to-date on the national and international initiatives and guidelines.
Every six months the network arranges an event with a coinciding members’ meeting. The event is hosted by one of the participating institutions and can be a symposium, workshop or a Train-the-trainer-event.
Contact
At the current moment the network is managed by DTU. Contact datamanagement@dtu.dk if you want to know more and/or want to become a member.
Our membership platform and primary communications channel is Microsoft Teams.
Membership
Everyone with an interest in RDM and the FAIR-principles can become a member. The membership is free of charge as responsibility for administration, meetings and events alternate between participating institutions. Do not feel discouraged to join, even if you are a single person from an organisation/institution. You will find help from other members when your turn comes to take on any duties.
Because the work of the members is payed for by the institutions, the work carried out within the network is to benefit the institutions, and can have a direct influence on the front-office role and service that the members provide their researchers.