Once Upon A Data Steward
On 10th July 2025, the Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure (PSDI) hosted a webinar titled “Once Upon A Data Steward ”, presented by Dr. Samantha Pearman-Kanza. The session addressed the growing importance of data availability and management in modern research and introduced the emerging role of the Data Steward, a new type of digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) who ensures data quality and usability throughout its lifecycle. The webinar also unveiled CaSDaR (Careers and Skills for data-driven Research), a new four-year initiative designed to support and empower Data Stewards as central figures in the research lifecycle.
For those who missed the live session or wish to revisit the discussion, the full webinar is available on our YouTube channel.
The slides are available on zenodo: https://zenodo.org/records/16279243
Stay tuned for future PSDI webinars by subscribing to our YouTube playlist: PSDI Webinar Series.
Abstract: This webinar highlighted the growing importance of data stewardship in a research landscape increasingly shaped by computation and advanced technologies. As research data volumes surge, so do the challenges of making data FAIR—challenges that are often underestimated and unsupported. The session introduced the emerging role of the Data Steward as a vital digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP), bridging the gap between data generation and reuse. We explored how Data Stewards ensure the quality, accessibility, and long-term usability of data throughout the research lifecycle. The webinar also introduced CaSDaR (Careers and Skills for data-driven Research), a new four-year Network+ initiative dedicated to empowering Data Stewards and supporting a more sustainable, FAIR-aligned research culture.
