STewardship and Recognition for DAta Science Talent

STARDAST (STewardship and Recognition for DAta Science Talent) establishes a sustainable, cross-sector ecosystem for professional data stewardship across Europe, supporting Horizon Europe's EOSC objectives. The project employs a practice-driven model where data stewards function as co-creators, embedded across research infrastructures, universities, and industry, spanning life sciences, physical sciences, environmental sciences, arts and humanities, and private R&D.Through six work packages, STARDAST will: (i) Define a consistent European-wide modular curriculum co-created with practitioners and aligned to FAIR and Open Science principles. (ii) Enhance data steward skills through peer learning, mentorship, and Train-the-Trainer programmes, strengthening professional identity and mobility via harmonised career frameworks. (iii) Advance Open Science education by integrating transparent practices into training curricula for data stewards and researchers. (iv) Expand cross-country competence centre networks through communities of practice, sustaining professional development. (v) Mainstream Open Science tools by integrating FAIR-by-design approaches into institutional workflows through hands-on pilots.Beyond traditional training, STARDAST supports diverse data stewardship activities: staff exchanges (through cascading grants), stewardship-as-a-service models, peer learning networks, mentorship programmes, hands-on consulting through embedded stewards, and data champions as local ambassadors. These activities pilot stewardship integration models into institutional policies, ensuring the sustained development of career pathways.Building upon Skills4EOSC and FAIR-IMPACT frameworks, and with strong EOSC governance connections, STARDAST delivers validated curricula, interoperable tools, policy frameworks, and a European network, driving cultural transformation to recognise and support data experts, as well as sustainable FAIR and Open Science practices.