Unlocking Research Potential: The Role of Data Repositories in Supporting Researchers and Data Stewards

The Open Science movement is transforming the research landscape, with funders such as the European Commission mandating transparency and accessibility in research. Researchers must now publish not only their findings but also their datasets and software in trusted repositories, ensuring that research outputs are FAIR—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Data Management Plans (DMPs) play a critical role in supporting these practices by promoting structured data handling and sharing. However, the successful implementation of Open Science principles relies on the services and infrastructure provided by data repositories. Repositories are more than storage spaces; they actively facilitate FAIR data practices by offering tools for metadata standardization, persistent identifiers, interoperability frameworks, and long-term preservation strategies. They also support researchers and data stewards in navigating evolving Open Science requirements, ensuring compliance with institutional and funder policies. A key example of this support is Slovenia’s SPOZNAJ project, which aligns with broader European Open Science developments. Slovenia has enacted significant legislative changes in the last four years. New policies mandate open access to research results, responsible evaluation of research work, and citizen engagement in research activities. To strengthen data stewardship and FAIR data management, the SPOZNAJ project consortium launched a data stewardship training program in 2024. This initiative began with the Catalogue of Competences for Data Experts, forming the basis for a three-week training program. In addition to publishing two handbooks on Open Science and Research Data Management Planning in Slovenian, the project also established the Slovenian Data Stewardship Network. This presentation highlights how repositories, national initiatives, and institutional support can enhance research data management, accelerate the adoption of FAIR principles, and ensure the long-term success of Open Science.