One Workshop to Rule Them All: Forging RDM skills among PhD Candidates in the Life Sciences

In June 2023, the Data Stewards at the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science at the University of Vienna launched a new workshop aimed at introducing Ph.D. candidates and Masters students in the life sciences to the fundamentals of research data management (RDM). This course, titled 'Research Data Management for Ph.D. Candidates in the Life Sciences,' utilizes a blended learning approach that combines instructional content with various activities to help students practice their skills. Participants complete an online module (approximately 6 hours) before attending two in-person half-day seminars. The online module focuses on information transfer, while the seminars emphasize interactive activities, discussions, and Q&A sessions. This poster provides a brief overview of the workshop program, along with tips and tricks learned by the Data Stewards. Data from pre- and post-learning assessments are also presented, demonstrating changes in student knowledge levels and comfort with RDM topics. We also discuss our future plans, which include collaboration with UNIVIE doctoral schools, the launch of an Open Science Community, and the adaptation of the course content for students in the Humanities.