The Portuguese Network of Data Stewards (RPDS) hosted a workshop dedicated to the development of the persona methodology for data steward, organized in collaboration with the Data Steward Careers Track Working Group of the Research Data Alliance (RDA). This event presented the concept of personas applied to research data management. These semi-fictional profiles seek to represent the most common motivations, needs and challenges associated with data steward roles, contributing to a better understanding of these professionals. Through collaborative activities, participants were invited to contribute to the definition of personas with the aim of allowing institutions to describe functions and support professional development. The workshop was aimed at professionals involved in the management of research data or with a direct connection to this area. The session was facilitated by Liise Lehtsalu, from the Research Data Alliance Association (RDA Europe), and took place on May 28, 2026, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, in online format and in English. It had 34 participants. The session began with a welcome and presentation of the participants, followed by an introduction to the concept of Data Steward Personas. Given the practical nature of the activity, two moments of high interaction took place: the first dedicated to the exploration of categories and their attributes; and the second focused on the development of personas. The session ended with a discussion on the persona methodology that is being developed by the RDA Data Steward Career Tracks working group.

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International project anual report

This publication is an output of the following project(s):

• Research Data Management Network