Within the framework of the HUN-REN Data Repository Platform (HUN-REN ARP) project, the Centre for Social Sciences’ Research Documentation Centre (Kutatási Dokumentációs Központ, KDK) initiated the establishment of the HUN-REN Data Steward Network based on the results of the 2022 ARP needs assessment, as well as the experiences of ARP’s first two years and KDK’s more than a decade of work. The initiative received support, and KDK contributed to developing the concept in detail. Starting from October 1, 2024, each HUN-REN research institution will have an institutional data steward in a newly created position.

In the first year of the network’s operation (October 2024 – October 2025), the focus is on acquiring the necessary knowledge, mapping and understanding researchers and ongoing research at the institutions, and preparing an institutional research data management policy. The achievement of these goals is supported by a data steward training and mentoring program jointly organized by KDK and the HUN-REN HQ. In 2024, the development of the training content and structure, delivery of lectures, invitation of external speakers, and organization and evaluation of the final exams were carried out jointly by KDK and the HUN-REN HQ, coordinated by Anna Horváth (TK KDK) and Henrietta Farkas (HUN-REN HQ). The training’s first intensive, block-scheduled phase took place from October to December 2024; the second phase, with monthly sessions and ongoing mentoring, continues from January to October 2025.

The first phase of the training had multiple goals: it focused on acquiring fundamental knowledge about modern research data management, introducing key practical solutions, and outlining the practical and theoretical competencies necessary for fulfilling data steward roles. Additionally, emphasis was placed on networking among data stewards from different scientific fields and preparing for both individual and institutional tasks as well as collaborative, network-level work. The training included interconnected theoretical and practical sessions, conducted in an interactive format, primarily in person, with online participation options.

Instructors of the training:

• Márk Arató (Havas-Sághy and Partners Law Firm)
•  Andrea Dömötör (ELTE BTK DH LAB)
•  Júlia Egyed-Gergely (HUN-REN TK KDK)
•  Henrietta Farkas (HUN-REN HQ)
•  Judit Fazekas-Parragh (DEENK)
•  Csilla Gödri (KIFÜ)
•  András György (HUN-REN Centre Legal Department)
•  András Holl (MTA KIK)
•  Anna Horváth (HUN-REN TK KDK)
•  Ildikó Kelemen (KIFÜ)
•  Rebeka Kiss (HUN-REN TK PTI)
•  Ákos Lencsés (KIFÜ)
•  Enikő Meiszterics (HUN-REN TK KDK)
•  András László Németh (HUN-REN Centre Legal Department)
•  Miklós Sebők (HUN-REN TK PTI)
•  Ádám Száldobágyi (DEENK)
•  Zoltán Tóth (HUN-REN SZTAKI)

With the establishment of the Data Steward Network and the involvement of the Centre for Social Sciences (TK), data stewards have become present and available in all other research centres and institutes across all major scientific fields to support HUN-REN researchers.

TK’s data steward: Enikő Meiszterics, staff member of the KDK. Email: meiszterics.eniko@tk.hu