Summary

This online, fully self-paced training course provides a comprehensive introduction to the management of marine data, including the guiding principles of data management and typical responsibilities for data managers, data stewards and scientists.

During this training course, you will be introduced to several general aspects related to the management of marine data, including, metadata, quality control, data policy, data sharing and publishing, data management plans and the research data life cycle. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe and implement the core tasks required for the processing of marine data, explain the importance of metadata, advise researchers on the research data life cycle and explain why a good data management plan is key from the very first initiation steps of a project.

This course is developed by, and for, marine data managers, data stewards and researchers, working in institutions responsible for the collection and good management of marine data in all fields (oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics).

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, participants should be able to:

• Demonstrate the importance of good research data management practises
• Explain the importance of maintaining the integrity of the data and how to accomplish this
• Describe the terminology of Open Access, Open Data and FAIR data, and how to apply this to the management of marine data
• Identify the data publishing and citation process and provide advice to researchers
• Explain the current landscape of (international) initiatives dealing with marine data and their data management

Course contents (may be subject to small adaptations):

• General overview of data management, its principles and organisation
• Research Data Life Cycle
• Data Management Plan
• Open & FAIR data 
• Data licences
• Metadata
• Data standards & quality control 

Target audience

Marine data managers, data stewards and researchers, working in institutions responsible for the collection and good management of marine data in all fields (oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics).

Language and computer skills required (Applicants are expected to have):

• a good working knowledge of English
• basic computer skills
• the ability to find resources through search engines
• experience in downloading and installing software
• experience using a word processing, presentation software, or other productivity applications
• experience/familiarity with a variety of file formats such as: .pdf, doc or .docx, .txt, and .csv
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers

Instructors/Organisers

This course is made possible with the input of several people from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and the IOC/IODE:

• Leen Vandepitte - VLIZ
• Claudia Delgado – IOC/IODE
• Greg Reed – IOC/IODE
• Cheikh Baye Ould Moulaye, IOC/IODE
• others to be announced