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Data Stewards

Qualitative research data management (RDM) is an essential component of excellent research at TUM and a crucial criterion for research funding in collaborative projects. Delegating responsibility for RDM to specialized professional staff is a consistent and efficient decision for the entire research initiative. For this purpose, funding for Data Steward positions can be requested from third-party funders.

What is a Data Steward's responsibility?

Data Stewards are specialists in RDM and data science. Their central role is to coordinate and implement RDM strategies within projects, in line with TUM Guidelines for Handling Research Data. Their responsibilities include, among others, data curation, sustainable data storage, developing data analysis methods (e.g., AI, machine learning) and tools, as well as data-related project communication. To ensure expertise in RDM, Data Stewards act as a link between research projects, infrastructure providers, the TUM Research Data Hub, and various NFDI initiatives.

How to request a Data Steward?

Collaborative Research Centres coordinated by TUM, as well as Clusters of Excellence, can include the funding of Data Steward positions (50% E13) in their third-party funding proposals and request central co‑funding from TUM via the TUM Research Data Hub. Co‑funded Data Stewards are based at the TUM Research Data Hub and are administratively assigned either to MDSI or the University Library. The project retains subject-matter leadership. The Data Stewards manage data within their respective projects and additionally support TUM researchers in RDM and data science. They contribute their project experience to the broader TUM research community and act as multipliers. The actively accumulated knowledge strengthens expertise within the TUM Research Data Hub network and across the university.

Other third-party-funded projects may also request funding for Data Steward positions directly from their funder. Co‑funding by TUM generally does not apply in these cases. These Data Stewards are integrated into the TUM Research Data Hub network and benefit from close exchange with the other Data Stewards.

Contact our team during the proposal phase to identify the needs and tasks of Data Stewards for your research project and to request their involvement: researchdata@tum.de