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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 table below. 

We look forward to receiving your applications and celebrating excellence in data stewardship! 

Who It’s For

The WDS Data Stewardship Award celebrates individuals who have significantly improved the quality, integrity, and accessibility of research data. Ideal candidates are those who manage and/or curate data with exceptional care at all stages – from design to reuse – while adhering to legal, policy, and ethical guidelines.

Nominees should have a track record of:

    • Ensuring excellent data management and/or curation throughout its lifecycle
    • Adhering to applicable laws and policies
    • Contributing significantly to enhancing the quality, integrity, and accessibility of data and metadata
    • Be within ten (10) years of their Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional training

Note: Private sector nominees must clearly show community value beyond profit. 

Any Early Career Data Steward can be nominated for this award! Candidates may apply themselves or be suggested by a peer or an organization. To be considered eligible, candidates will need to submit the following:

    • An application
    • A resume
    • Three (3) reference letters

A panel from the WDS Scientific Committee and International Technology Office will review nominations. They look for nominees who have made outstanding contributions to good data management practices. For details, please consult the reviewers’ rubric*.

* The reviewer’s rubric is subject to change for future award cycles.

 

Open Call: October 2025 

Call Closes: 16 January 2026 

Review Period: February-March 2026 

Award Announcement: April 2026 

Award Ceremony: IDW 2027 

Apply Here

For additional information, please contact wds-ipo@utk.edu.

Voices of Past Awardees

Libby Liggins

2019 WDS Data Stewardship Award Recipient

“I now see data stewardship and the advancement of tools, infrastructures, and community practices in aid of ethical data stewardship, as a part of my professional research practice alongside marine evolutionary ecology.”

Xiaogang Marshall Ma

2014 WDS Data Stewardship Award Recipient

“I would say the WDS Data Stewardship Award has had a multi-fold influence on my work. It is for the early-career professionals. Receiving the award in 2014 was a big encouragement for me to see the value of the work on data management and the methods and technologies needed, and a driving force for me to continue the work in this field.”

Robert Redmon

2013 WDS Data Stewardship Award Recipient

“Honestly, receiving the WDS Data Stewardship Award is one of the great highlights of my life and career. It really broadened my awareness around the value of data and scientific stewardship.”

Read about previous Data Stewardship Award winners here.

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