Stellenbosch University (SU), one of Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions, is dedicated to advancing open science and responsible data stewardship across the continent. Through its suite of data and digital repositories that’s built on open-source infrastructure, SU demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency, accessibility, and the long-term sustainability of scholarly outputs. The university’s SUNScholarData repository holds CoreTrustSeal certification, affirming adherence to internationally recognized standards for trustworthy data management. Beyond technical excellence, SU actively fosters regional capacity by hosting workshops and training sessions on repository governance, metadata standards, and FAIR data principles throughout South Africa.
The partnership between SUNScholarData and the World Data System is a natural fit, as both organizations share a vision for global best practices in data stewardship, open access, and equitable research infrastructure. As a new regular member, SUNScholarData brings expertise in building robust, sustainable repositories and a strong track record in capacity building—strengthening WDS’s international network. In turn, WDS membership enables SU to engage more deeply with the global data community, contribute to the evolution of standards and best practices, and amplify its impact on fostering inclusive, high-quality data services that benefit research communities across Africa and beyond. They joined WDS as a Regular member in October 2025.