Node: ELIXIR Spain
Authors: Eva Alloza, deputy Node coordinator and training coordinator
Topics: Gaps to action, Who to involve
The first experiences of the ELIXIR Spanish Node with Research Data Management (RDM) training were linked to sporadic requests to deliver short talks introducing basic RDM concepts and the FAIR principles to institutions, research networks, or individual projects. These sessions served as a rapid needs-assessment tool: they helped us gauge learners’ prior knowledge, identify the variety of roles requiring this training, and begin iterating on our training materials. As Data Management Plans (DMPs) became mandatory in the research ecosystem, the requests evolved from pure theory to include hands-on exercises and live Q&A, reflecting a growing demand for practical, applicable skills.
Participation in the ELIXIR Converge project created a collaborative framework for sharing expertise and co-developing training resources with other ELIXIR Nodes. Within this project, we organised a virtual Train the Trainer course with a data management / data stewardship focus, allowing us to document the challenges faced by trainers and to refine our pedagogical approach based on the feedback from professionals.
During the ELIXIR Converge we initiated a close collaboration with the Data Management unit at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), which leads the Data Network of the Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES). This partnership enables the ELIXIR Spanish Node to jointly design three-day beginner and advanced level courses, theory-plus-practice workshops—occasionally supplemented by a half-day Train the Trainer to disseminate teaching competencies. In the last years we have contributed with our cross-domain knowledge and our expertise in the Life Sciences domain, sensitive research data management and software management plan (SMP) aspects. The courses are led by the BSC Data Management unit together with BSC specialist teams in security, ELSI, Earth Sciences. The current training offer includes Research Data Management for Beginners (edition 2024, 2025, 2026) and Research Data Management for Advanced Users (edition 2024, 2025, and the upcoming 2026).
Training is an activity that a Node can develop with a two-fold purpose: building capacity within the Node staff and its national stakeholders, while building community by connecting research data managers and enabling them to share knowledge, opportunities, and challenges.