Bringing Neuroscientific Data to Sustainability: Embedded Data Stewardship in CRC 1280

Abstract

Information Management (INF) projects are essential to the establishment of infrastructures for the management of research data and metadata in Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). However, the CRC's disciplines, the INF project's design, and the institutional setting all have a significant impact on the organization and daily responsibilities of INF data stewards. We demonstrate the impact of embedded data stewardship on research data management (RDM) in the case of CRC 1280 "Extinction Learning". Central aim of the RDM in CRC 1280 was the implementation of data sharing across all subprojects at an early stage of the research life cycle. Despite obstacles such as legal issues regarding sensitive data and a highly competitive culture in life science, the CRC was successful in realising this goal. Key to this success was building trust with researchers through participatory strategy development, the implementation of supportive training formats and personal, on-site consultations by an embedded data steward with appropriate scientific background. In addition, the CRC’s endeavours were led to sustainability by bridging the gap between researchers and central infrastructure. INF paved the way for the CRC to participate in the development of the university-central repository infrastructure, enabling the emergence of a sustainable RDM infrastructure tailored to the needs of the researchers.