This poster presents the implementation and outcomes of activities carried out at Gdańsk University of Technology as part of “The Excellence Initiative – Research University” (IDUB) programme. The main aim of these activities was to promote and raise awareness of Open Research Data among the academic community. The work was carried out between 2024 and 2026, coordinated by the Open Science Competence Center at the Gdańsk Tech Library.

The initiative aims to promote awareness, develop skills, and strengthen competencies in research data management (RDM) within the academic community. Its primary objective is to disseminate effective methods and best practices related to publishing, sharing, and managing research data. A key element of the project is the establishment of a network of qualified data stewards who provide discipline-oriented support to researchers and doctoral candidates. Instead of focusing solely on the direct training of researchers, the project invested in a selected group of data stewards representing different disciplines across the university, including: architecture and urban planning;automation, electronics, electrical engineering and space technologies; economics and finance; computer science and telecommunications; environmental engineering; mining and energy; biological sciences; and chemical sciences. The team of seven data stewards consisted of two librarians and five researchers. The librarians already possessed a certain level of expertise in research data management and, within the project, represented selected scientific disciplines of their choice. The team participated in targeted training delivered by internal experts, combined with opportunities for knowledge exchange and peer learning. This approach enabled the multiplication of expertise and the creation of a distributed support system embedded within faculties.

A comprehensive range of targeted activities has been implemented within the programme. These activities included the systematic preparation and publication of research datasets in the open institutional repository, as well as the development of data descriptor articles to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and reusability of research data. As part of the project, over 300 dataset collections were deposited in the institutional data repository, and the team successfully developed skills in preparing data descriptor articles, resulting in several manuscripts describing their own self-created datasets, including three published in peer-reviewed journals (https://pg.edu.pl/en/openscience/idub-activities/data-descriptors).

One of the programme’s key achievements was the development of seven model Data Management Plans (DMPs) tailored to selected research disciplines, providing concrete, discipline-specific guidance and serving as reference frameworks for researchers (https://pg.edu.pl/en/openscience/idub-activities/data-management-plan-templates). In parallel, the team conducted a structured review of data sharing practices across selected scientific disciplines, producing analytical overviews that identify common standards, challenges, and domain-specific approaches to open data (https://pg.edu.pl/centrum-kompetencji-otwartej-nauki/dzialania-idub/przeglad-dyscyplin).

Capacity-building efforts were supported through an extensive series of training sessions and workshops delivered throughout the programme (https://pg.edu.pl/centrum-kompetencji-otwartej-nauki/dzialania-idub/materialy-szkoleniowe). These activities were complemented by the development of an open online course on Data Management Planning, designed to ensure long-term accessibility of the knowledge generated (https://pg.edu.pl/en/openscience/idub-activities/course-data-management-planning). Together, these initiatives significantly contributed to disseminating standards and best practices for open and responsible research data management, while also supporting researchers in the practical implementation of DMPs and data publication strategies.

By showcasing a practical example of capacity building, this poster highlights the role of data stewards as catalysts for Open Science communities. Data stewards play a crucial role in supporting the research lifecycle. Their responsibilities include providing discipline-specific guidance on data management planning, data curation, repository selection, and compliance with funder and publisher requirements. Through the programme, participants were equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary to translate Open Science policies into discipline-specific practices.

The experience of the Gdańsk University of Technology demonstrates the importance of institutional support, targeted training, and community engagement in advancing Open Research Data practices. The presented case study may serve as a model for other research institutions seeking to develop or expand their Open Science strategies. In conclusion, the described initiative represents a comprehensive approach to strengthening research data management and promoting Open Science.