Would you like to become a Data Champion?
As a Data Champion, you will be a local advocate for good research data management, helping to support researchers in areas such as data organisation, storage and publishing research outputs.
Who can become a Data Champion?
Any member of the University of Cambridge who is interested in areas of research data management (RDM) can apply to become a Data Champion.
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You do not need to be an expert in RDM to become a Data Champion and there will be opportunities to expand your knowledge in this area.
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We welcome applications from those working in all subject areas in all disciplines.
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Researchers, postgraduate students, librarians, IT managers, data managers, or other members of research support staff who have a keen interest in RDM are invited to apply.
What will be required of me?
This is flexible and depends on your circumstances and time-commitments. Data Champions are volunteers who promote good RDM in a variety of ways. Some examples include:
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Sharing knowledge at Data Champion forums
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Disseminating and/or developing RDM advocacy materials
If you have the time and feel confident you could also hold discussions about RDM in your department or deliver discipline-specific workshop sessions on data handling and related topics. We can help support you if interest to you and your department.
What are the benefits of becoming a Data Champion?
You will have the opportunity to:
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Grow your networks - get to know others interested in RDM from other Cambridge departments, institutes and colleges.
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Increase your impact - become a local expert on RDM in your discipline and make a broader contribution to research at the University of Cambridge by improving the integrity of research outputs
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Increase your visibility – for example, via your Data Champion profile.
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Learn new skills – learn more about RDM, Open Research and sources of support available for researchers
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Enhance your CV – good opportunity to add to your CV and enhance your transferable skills.
Will any support be provided?
The Data Champion programme is managed by the Research Data team at Open Research. Examples of areas of support available are:
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Join the community of Data Champions to help one another and make collaborative contributions.
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University of Cambridge Data Champion forums - meetings every two months to discuss RDM-related issues, challenges and successes
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Support with providing RDM training sessions – resources and training can be provided to help you deliver workshops
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Contact with the Research Data Team - ask questions at any time
Next steps to becoming a Data Champion
To apply to become a Data Champion, simply fill in this application form by 31st March 2026. We will follow up on all requests to join the Data Champion programme shortly afterwards. If you have any questions, email us at info@data.cam.ac.uk