The Careers and Skills for Data-driven Research Network+ (CaSDaR)

The volume of data generated by research is growing at an exponential rate yet much of this data is unusable due to the lack of expertise, tools, and resources for effective data management. Data Stewards are the key to bridging the gap between data generation and reuse, as they have a fundamental role that ensures the quality, accuracy, accessibility and longevity of data across the entire data lifecycle. We place great value in data, but the current investment in infrastructure to promote engagement and support data excellence is lacking, and best practice like FAIR cannot be implemented without investing in data stewards. This is where CaSDaR comes in; a UKRI funded Network+ started in April 2025 with a goal to establish a diverse, inclusive, self-sustaining community of Data Stewards and to create a model for data steward support systems within research intensive institutions, thereby clarifying their role and integration within the research data lifecycle. This poster will provide a high-level overview of CaSDaRs activities, roadmap and deliverables, and explain how you can get involved!