RDNL maps training landscape to strengthen national training programme for research data professionals

Research Data Netherlands (RDNL) has published a new report mapping the current training landscape for research data professionals in the Netherlands. The report is an important step in the development of a national training programme based on the RDNL Competency Framework. By identifying which competencies are already well-supported and where important gaps remain, RDNL aims to help research data professionals develop the knowledge and skills they need in a rapidly evolving research landscape. 

Building on existing expertise 

Given that training opportunities already exist, RDNL first set out to understand how the existing training landscape supports research data professionals and where additional training is needed. The report therefore analyses 47 training courses offered by RDNL and other training providers and maps them against the competency areas and topics defined in the RDNL Competency Framework.  

The mapping shows that topics such as research data management (RDM), FAIR data and open science are generally well covered. At the same time, it identifies opportunities to strengthen training in areas such as policy and governance, legal and ethical responsibilities, discipline-specific topics, and transversal skills such as stakeholder engagement, advisory skills and change management aimed at data professionals. 

To validate these findings, RDNL discussed the results with its User Panel, a group of research data professionals who provide ongoing feedback on the development of the national training and community platform. The User Panel members indicated which gaps in training they experienced most, informing RDNL which gaps should be prioritised. 

Based on the findings, RDNL will: 

• update existing RDNL training to include missing topics; 
• collaborate (inter)nationally to address identified gaps; 
• develop new training where needed; 
• continue expanding and updating the mapping as new training becomes available; 
• organise regular meetings of data professionals where training and other relevant topics are discussed. 

Providers of other relevant trainings for research data professionals are invited to map their trainings to the RDNL Competency Framework using the template that accompanies the report. This will support the development of a coherent national training programme and, over time, structured learning paths for research data professionals. 

The mapping report shows that strengthening professional development is a collective effort. By connecting existing initiatives, identifying gaps and working together with the community, RDNL aims to build a sustainable national training programme that supports research data professionals throughout their careers.