The University of Zurich (UZH) is stepping into the future of research management with the launch of its Data Steward Program. Recognizing that high-quality data handling is crucial for scientific integrity, UZH is investing in a structured approach to help researchers manage their growing volumes of data more efficiently and ethically.
Why Research Data Management Matters
In today’s digital world, research isn’t just about experiments and discoveries. It’s also about how well scientists manage the vast amounts of data they generate.
Proper research data management (RDM) ensures that data is accurate, reproducible, secure, and available for future studies. It’s also a critical component for meeting the requirements of funding agencies and scientific journals, which increasingly demand transparency and open access to data.
However, not every researcher is an expert in managing datasets, adhering to data protection laws, or making their results open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).
That’s where the UZH Data Steward Program comes in.
What Is the UZH Data Steward Program?
The new program will train and employ specialized professionals called Data Stewards. These experts act as bridges between researchers, IT teams, and legal departments.
Their role is to:
- Advise researchers on best practices for data management.
- Help with setting up data storage solutions that meet ethical and legal standards.
- Support researchers in creating Data Management Plans (DMPs) required for grant applications.
- Promote the use of open data and FAIR principles.
By embedding Data Stewards directly into research units, UZH ensures that scientists get hands-on, day-to-day support without having to navigate the complex world of data policies alone.
Pilot Phase and Expansion
The pilot phase of the program started in April 2025. Five faculties at UZH, including medicine, science, and law, are participating initially.
The university plans to expand the program based on the lessons learned during the pilot.
This flexible, evolving approach allows UZH to fine-tune how Data Stewards can best support diverse research disciplines—from clinical trials to humanities projects.
A Step Toward Better Science
By investing in professional data management, UZH is setting a powerful example for other institutions worldwide. Good data stewardship isn’t just administrative housekeeping—it strengthens the credibility of research, improves collaboration, and accelerates scientific progress.
The UZH Data Steward Program also empowers researchers to focus more on what they do best: creating new knowledge that benefits society.
Conclusion
The University of Zurich’s Data Steward Program marks an important evolution in how research institutions handle data challenges. By embedding expert support within research teams, UZH is fostering a culture where responsible data management becomes second nature—and that’s a win for science and society.
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Article derived from: Navigating a sea of data. (n.d.). | UZH. https://www.news.uzh.ch/en/articles/news/2025/datastewards.html
