How to create data descriptions that enable reuse

This online workshop delivered by DANS on April 30th 2026 focused on how clear, informative descriptions foster the trust that your data are relevant and thereby encourage their reuse. The workshop slides have been made available, including worked examples of different data descriptions and tips on how to create your own checklist for good data descriptions. When you deposit research data in a repository, you want others to be able to find, understand, and reuse your work. In practice, this often depends on the quality of the data description. In this one-hour session, the perspective of a potential data reuser was taken to explore what constitutes an effective data description in a repository context. Drawing on examples from the DANS Data Stations, it was discussed what information helps others to assess the relevance and quality of data and what practical ways are to improve your own data descriptions.