FedOSC Webinar - Data 101 - Where does my data go? Data storage and preservation

The FedOSC Learning Community hosted, on October 13th, 2026, this 90-minute online webinar dedicated to data storage and preservation best practices. It explored how storage needs evolve over the course of a project, the distinction between active storage, long-term preservation, and archiving, and the factors that influence preservation decisions. It will provide concrete leads for solutions, and examine how sustainable storage practices, appropriate preservation strategies, and dedicated infrastructures can support the long-term FAIRness, accessibility, and reuse of research data within the federal research landscape. The program was the following: Johan Van der Eycken, Head of Digital Archiving at the State Archives of Belgium, presented data storage across the research data lifecycle, from planning to preservation, including costs, documentation, and the role of the State Archives David Vincent, Digital Strategic Advisor at BELSPO, Laura Zombek, IT Project Manager at Smals, and Jean-Pierre Aerts, Product Manager at Belnet, presented an overview of data storatge recommendations in the Belgian federal ecosystem Thomas van Erven, Project Manager (UGent) for FAIRVault, showcased the FAIRVault project, a practical case study illustrating how storage and preservation infrastructures can support FAIR principles. The full program and more information is available at https://fedosc.miraheze.org/wiki/Events/DataStorage. The webinar recording is available on the FedOSC Youtube Channel.