Spotlight on: Mellanie Geijen
Every other week, the Thematic DCCs and the Data Steward Interest Group (DSIG) put the spotlight on one research data steward working in the Netherlands to stimulate knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning.
What drew you towards the research data management field?
About five years ago, I was looking for a job as my PhD was finished. I did not want to continue as a researcher, but I did want to be linked to research. Then the vacancy of data steward at the Open Universiteit crossed my path. I had never heard of this role before, but the description of a data steward looked very interesting. I am glad I made the switch to this multifaceted and supportive job.
What is an activity/task of your role that you find yourself looking forward to?
I like to variety of activities, but it is especially fulfilling to be able to help a researcher with their questions about their DMP or data storage.
What is something unexpected that you can offer help with, if a colleague reaches out to you?
I can help with the ethical review and reviewing grant proposals, as i had a lot of experience during my PhD.
What do you think your community of research data professionals is missing?
I think the role of a Data steward is still unknown and can also be interpreted in many different ways. Even within universities, it is not always clear for researchers what we do, especially since the role of Data steward overlaps with a lot of other expertises such as IT, ethics and policy.
What is a topic you would want to collaborate on with others?
I would like to collaborate on the topics of Open Science, since these are developing and changing fast.
How would you like to see your current field of work evolve in the next 5 years?
I would like to see that RDM practices are improved and supported by preferably nation-wide RDM infrastructures and open source tools.
Get in touch with Mellanie on LinkedIn | ORCID
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