Strengthening Open Science Expertise: National RDM Training Network of Finland

Pauli Assinen; Päivi Malinen; Laura Mure

doi:10.7557/5.8218

Authors

Pauli Assinen University of Helsinki https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2420-5276
Päivi Malinen Tampere University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9570-6177
Laura Mure Aalto University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9552-2498

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/5.8218

Keywords:

Research Data Management (RDM), Open Science, Training network, Finland , Collaboration , Competence development , Knowledge sharing

Abstract

Increasing data volumes, rapid digitisation and the demands for open science and responsible research data management (RDM) — driven by research organisations, funders and policymakers — have created a growing demand for RDM services. This complex and ever-changing field requires that RDM specialists continuously adapt and develop new competencies in order to support scholars practising open science.

The National research data management (RDM) Training Network in Finland addresses the specific challenges faced by RDM specialists in the country, where the small population size limits the number of RDM specialists, leading to a reliance on cross-organisational collaboration. Often, these specialists are the only experts in their organisations, tasked with diverse responsibilities across disciplines. Additionally, they face time constraints, high staff turnover and a lack of formal RDM training.

Recognising these challenges, Finland's National RDM Training Network was established to support and bridge gaps in resources and expertise, and to have a significant impact on the wider academic and research community by enhancing competencies and reducing disparities between institutions. Another goal is to produce publicly available training materials and resources on platforms such as Zenodo to promote transparency and sharing.

Originally a modest assembly under the National Open Science and Research Coordination (AVOTT), the network has matured under a broad cooperation network Finn-ARMA, bringing together professionals from some 30 organisations. It is open to both open science professionals and scholars.

The network strengthens the Finnish RDM landscape, offering solutions to meet growing demands and resource limitations, and contributing to a sustainable knowledge ecosystem.

In this presentation we will explore the origins, development and activities of the Finnish RDM Training Network and discuss its role in bridging expertise gaps and its impact on the wider research community and how working together with shared resources can speed up the transition to open science.

Author Biographies

Pauli Assinen, University of Helsinki

Pauli Assinen works at the Helsinki University Library, where he coordinates the Library’s project and enterprise architecture operations. At the national and international levels, he has served as the chair and member of the open science working groups as well as the coordinator of EU-funded OpenAIRE-projects at the University of Helsinki. He has been OpenAIRE NOAD since 2015 and for two years, he has been a member of the Executive board of the OpenAIRE AMKE in the role of treasurer.
Päivi Malinen, Tampere University

Päivi Malinen acts as an Information Specialist at Tampere University Library, specializing in research data services. Her typical workday includes supporting and training researchers, teachers, and students with various questions on research data management, data protection, and responsible conduct of research. For the past year, Päivi has participated closely in a development project which aims to develop and implement a training program aimed at the professional qualification of research data management (RDM) experts.
Laura Mure, Aalto University

Laura Mure works as an Information Specialist at Aalto University Research Services, where she serves as an administrator of the university’s current research information system (CRIS). In this role, her daily tasks include ensuring the system runs smoothly, supporting researchers in using it and contributing to its further development. She also supports the research community in areas of open science, such as open access publishing and research data management. In addition, Laura contributes by reviewing data management plans and participating in the university’s RDM training activities.