The Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, hosted the second edition of the specialized course on Research Data Management (RDM), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening research excellence and data stewardship practices.
Organized by CBQF in collaboration with the ERA Chair THRIVE, the two-day training brought together 16 participants, including researchers, project managers, and research support staff. The course aimed to equip participants with essential skills to effectively manage research data across the entire research lifecycle.
Building skills for better research
The training was delivered by a team of five expert trainers, combining internal UCP expertise with external specialists from POLEN – Research Data Services, part of the FCCN digital services of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). This collaborative approach ensured both theoretical grounding and practical insights aligned with national and international best practices.
Participants explored key principles of research data management, including data organization, documentation, storage, sharing, and preservation. A central focus of the course was the development of Data Management Plans (DMPs), a critical requirement in many research funding applications and projects.
From proposal to post-project
One of the course’s distinguishing features was its comprehensive view of data management throughout the cpmplete research lifecycle.
Attendees learned how to integrate data management strategies during the proposal phase, to implement best practices during data collection and analysis, to ensure compliance with funder requirements and Open Science policies as well as to plan for long-term data preservation and reuse after project completion.
By addressing these stages, the training highlighted how robust data management enhances research transparency, reproducibility, and impact.
Hands-on tools and platforms
In addition to conceptual frameworks, the course introduced participants to practical tools and platforms that support the creation, management, and publication of research data
These included solutions for drafting DMPs and repositories for data sharing, helping participants translate theory into actionable workflows.
For example, attendees practiced structuring a DMP using real-world scenarios, gaining confidence in applying these tools to their own projects.
Advancing Open Science at CBQF
This initiative aligns with CBQF’s broader mission to promote Open Science and responsible research practices.
By investing in capacity-building activities such as this course, CBQF strengthens its research community’s ability to meet evolving data requirements and maximize the value of scientific outputs.
The ERA Chair THRIVE continues to play a key role in fostering excellence, collaboration and innovation, positioning CBQF as a leading hub for sustainable and impactful research.