Announcing the Opening of Applications: 2026 WDS Data Stewardship Award
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 WDS Data Stewardship Award!
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to data stewardship and the advancement of Open Science across all disciplines.
Take this opportunity to showcase your work and join a global community dedicated to trusted data stewardship. For eligibility criteria, application details, and the full timeline, please explore the information below.
We look forward to receiving your applications and celebrating excellence in data stewardship!
Timeline:
Open Call: October 2025
Call Closes: 16 January 2026
Review Period: February-March 2026
Award Announcement: April 2026
Award Ceremony: IDW 2027
Award Criteria
Nominees should be early career data stewards who have excelled in:
- Comprehensive data management and/or curation throughout the data lifecycle.
- Adherence to applicable laws, policies, and ethical guidelines.
- Significant efforts to improve the quality, integrity, and accessibility of data and metadata.
Note: Contributions from nominees working in the private sector must clearly demonstrate their value to the broader data community and align with principles of open science, rather than being solely profit-driven.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
Eligible nominees are early career researchers within ten years of completing their Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional training. Peers or organizations may submit nominations, or self-nominations are also welcome.
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by a distinguished panel comprising members of the WDS Scientific Committee, representatives from the WDS International Technology Office, and Co-chairs of the WDS Early Career Researchers Network. Awardees will be selected based on their impactful contributions to the field of data stewardship. For detailed selection criteria, please refer to the reviewers’ rubric, also available on our website.
Apply Here