As part of our ongoing commitment to best practices and broad representation in global data stewardship, the World Data System is proposing several important updates to its membership structure, constitution, and bylaws. These changes, recommended by the Subcommittee on Certifications and Standards and approved by the WDS Scientific Committee, are designed to ensure WDS remains aligned with evolving international standards and the needs of our diverse community.
Below is a summary of the key changes that will soon be brought forward to a membership vote.

• • Language updated throughout for clarity and alignment with current WDS practices. 

• • Reflects separation from the former Data Seal of Approval: The language now acknowledges that CoreTrustSeal is an independent certifying organization that has superseded the Data Seal of Approval. WDS is no longer a certifying authority but continues to support trustworthy data stewardship. 

• • Flexible conference language: removed the requirement for biennial WDS Member meetings to be held in conjunction with International Data Week, allowing for flexibility and variability in partners. 

• • Expanded certification frameworks: Regular membership criteria now includes ISO 16363 and nestorSeal, alongside CoreTrustSeal. 

• • Broadened candidate membership eligibility: Repositories actively demonstrating best practices through self-assessment are eligible, even if not pursuing formal certification. 

• • Removed references to WDS as a certification provider. 

• • Clarified member engagement: To strengthen ongoing engagement and responsiveness, members are now required to submit brief activity reports every two years at Members Forums. These concise “check-in” reports facilitate efficient communication and light-touch auditing of listed members and their needs. 

• • Added Article 1, Section 4: Describes the new process for application and admission of Candidate Members.  

• • Added Article 1, Section 11: Provides guidance for membership suspension in rare cases (such as closed repositories or prolonged lack of communication), with oversight by the Scientific Committee. 

• • Flexible conference language: Removes rigid requirements regarding conference organization, allowing greater flexibility while maintaining the need for regular community gatherings. 

• All members are requested to review and discuss the proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws within their organizations, referring to the downloadable track changes documents below, in preparation for the upcoming vote. 

• • The proposed changes will be submitted to the full WDS membership for a formal vote in September–October. 

• • All WDS Members are requested to confirm their voting representative HERE (one per member organization).  

• • The voting ballot will be sent by email directly to each designated voting representative. 

View and download copies of the summary of changes, the Constitution track changes, and the Bylaws track changes below.

1. 1. WDS_Constitution_TrackChanges
   2. WDS_Bylaws_TrackChanges
   3. WDS Constitution & Bylaws Changes Summary