Conceptual Approaches and the European Context of Institutionalizing the Role of Data Stewards in Ukrainian Universities
Author(s)
Petrunovska, Svitlana
H. I. Denysenko Scientific and Technical Library for Information Support of Education and Research
Kudas, Dmytro
Odessa Military Academy
Issue Date
May 21, 2026
Publisher
euroCRIS
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Effective research data management (RDM) has become an indispensable element of contemporary scientific practice. With the continual expansion in the volume, diversity, and complexity of data produced across disciplines, the demand for structured frameworks to guide data storage, documentation, sharing, and long-term accessibility has intensified. These needs are particularly acute in the Ukrainian research sector, where systemic reforms and a growing orientation toward integration with the European Research Area (ERA) necessitate substantial changes in the organization of research support services.
Despite growing recognition of the importance of data governance, institutional readiness for RDM across Ukrainian universities remains limited. Most institutions lack formal strategies or dedicated personnel for implementing RDM procedures aligned with international standards. Institutional repositories are often insufficiently developed, and there is a notable gap in specialist expertise required to support researchers in adhering to the FAIR principles ensuring that data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Furthermore, the capacity to develop Data Management Plans (DMPs), now a routine requirement for participation in European funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, remains underdeveloped.
For Ukraine, institutionalizing the role of data stewards would represent a strategic investment in the country’s scientific future. As an associated member of Horizon Europe and an active participant in aligning national policy with European open science principles, Ukraine stands to benefit significantly from the introduction of data stewards. Doing so would enhance institutional readiness for international collaboration, improve research quality and transparency, and facilitate compliance with evolving data governance requirements. In a broader sense, it would also contribute to the modernization of Ukrainian science and its alignment with global standards of research excellence.
This article aims to articulate the rationale for establishing the data steward role within Ukrainian higher education institutions. Drawing on best practices from European universities and insights from ongoing policy developments, it outlines the core responsibilities, competencies, and institutional benefits of this role. In doing so, it seeks to offer a foundation for informed discussion and practical implementation in the Ukrainian research landscape.
Description
9 slides.-- Presentation delivered within CRIS2026 session "Advancing Research Information Systems: Interoperability, Ethics, and the Role of Libraries".-- Includes extended abstract
URI
https://dspacecris.eurocris.org/handle/11366/10194
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CRIS2026_paper-4_Petrunovska-et-al_Data-Stewards-Ukraine_extended-abstract.pdf
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Extended abstract
Size
429 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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CRIS2026_Zherebchuk_slides_Data-Stewards-Ukraine.pdf
Description
Presentation
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930.41 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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Conference(s)