Data Management: Knowledge and skills required in research, scientific and technical organisations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge and skill requirements for people working in the data management space in universities and scientific research organisations. In order to do so 25 data professionals in universities and scientific research organisations were interviewed. The most common set of skills required were interpersonal skills and related personal characteristics, closely followed by data specific knowledge and skills, including broad understanding of data types, metadata, and legal and regulatory frameworks. Contextual knowledge, knowledge of appropriate information technologies and training and advocacy skills were also highly sought after. Few current data professionals had a data specific qualification, most had learned “on the job” and through targeted professional development such as workshops, webinars and in house training. This paper presents information specific to data professionals in context and will enable educators understand the professional context and therefore to more effectively plan appropriate forms of delivery.