Data Stewards Intensive Course

To further data sharing and re-use, a new understanding of the role of data stewards is essential. As individuals or teams within data-holding and data-using organizations, data stewards are the driving force that initiates, facilitates and coordinates data collaboratives. Using a hands-on methodology developed in the field, this five-day course aims to boost data re-use in Switzerland’s public and private sector, civil society and academia.

• Five-day intensive course from May 12 to 16, 2025 covering steps from defining the demand for data to measuring impact
• In-person participation in Zurich and Berne
• Maximum of 20 participants (public and private sector, civil society and academia)
• Application with letter of support and idea for data re-use project
• Final presentation showcasing participants’ project (developed during the course)

The Data Stewards Intensive Course is a collaboration with Swiss Data Alliance, The Data Tank and The GovLab, made possible through funding from Hasler Stiftung. After different iterations in an international context, the immersive learning program is now coming to Switzerland.

The course requires a symbolic participation fee of CHF 800, which covers about a quarter of the actual costs. Nonprofit-sector participants can join for a reduced fee of CHF 100.

Coaching for responsible data re-use

The course intends to train the current and future data stewards with the knowledge and skills that are needed to implement and develop responsible data re-use practices. Such practices ensure ethical and legal compliance, all while identifying and fostering data collaboration opportunities that increase the impact of data. Moreover, participants receive coaching to develop a data re-use strategy and have the chance to network with their peers, coaches, and professors.

International alumni network

By the end of the program, these future data stewards comprehend how to identify and develop open data and data re-use initiatives and balance the opportunities and risks related to them. They also get added to the Data Stewards Alumni group consisting of 120+ alumni from all over the world. The group is managed by The Governance Lab & The Data Tank.