“My hope is that, even after the pandemic has ended, researchers remain motivated to share their research data…”
Data Curator, Eric Rumondor, shares his personal perspective of reviewing datasets uploaded to 4TU.ResearchData during the current pandemic.
I started working for TU Delft Library in October 1985 as a scientific information specialist. Originally, the focus of my work was on the electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science collection.
Now, I work as part of the Research Data services team as one of the data curators. My work involves reviewing datasets that are uploaded to the 4TU.ResearchData repository and supporting researchers to make their data ‘FAIR‘ (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). After all, this is the purpose of storing research data – to make it accessible to others. A scientific publication in a renowned journal has added value when the underlying research data is also easily accessible.
The subject of the data has become very broad; it covers a wider range of the STEM and design disciplines than when I first started. I also notice how the faculties work together more, and have become more ‘multidisciplinary’. This change also requires a different approach from technical support staff working ‘behind the scenes‘ at 4TU.ResearchData.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our workload has actually increased. It turns out that researchers are more diligent in filing their research data during this time of lockdowns, meaning that we are busier. This is a great development!
My hope is that, even after the pandemic has ended, researchers remain motivated to share their research data. It’s really worth it because it has an added value to all stages of their research efforts.
Eric Rumondor
Authored by Deirdre Casella (Communications Officer at 4TU.ResearchData)
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