Data advisors network

The CDGA Office has set up and has been running a network of data advisors in the various laboratories on the Grenoble Alpes site since 2021. This network aims to facilitate the sharing of knowledge on the management of research data and codes both between the CDGA Office, the research teams and the laboratories.

Missions of data advisors

The data advisors are a key link between the research staff and the CDGA Office. Their actions significantly contribute to effective communication and collaboration between the CDGA Office and the research teams:

• relaying information within the site’s research structures (news, seminars, surveys, training courses including doctoral courses, etc.);
• feedback on the needs and difficulties encountered in laboratories and within teams;
• referral of staff requests to the CDGA Office;
• responding to ad hoc requests from CDGA Office.

Status and profile of advisors

The status of data advisors within the network varies: there are research engineers, research fellows and lecturers, as well as research directors, documentalists and data managers.

Beyond this disparity, there is a strong affinity with questions relating to open science and the management of research data and codes.

Support within the network

The CDGA offers seminars for data advisors on data and code management, and provides them with documentary resources and information aids.

It advises and supports them on issues the research teams are facing, and organises themed seminars (e.g. restrictive system areas, intellectual property, GDPR) at the advisors’ request. It also delivers presentations in laboratories.

Finally, the CDGA Office facilitates contact with the UGA’s central services dealing with research data and codes (e.g. legal services, DPO, archives).

Network life

Every year, the CDGA Office organises a day of in-person discussions with all members of the network, where the latest developments in open science are discussed and participants’ needs are gathered.

Advisors can also take part in the CDGA Office’s monthly meetings and use shared collaborative tools (network’s mailing list, UGA cloud, UGA software forge).

Network recognition and political support

As it is connected to the site’s data management cluster, the network enjoys strong political support. In October 2022, the UGA set up an Open Science Master Plan and Charter to reinforce this commitment.

In the same way, the CDGA Office has set up a collaboration with the Research, Innovation and Valorisation Executive Director (DGD RIV) to promote the data management cluster and the network of data advisors within the Grenoble Alpes site, particularly with regard to the French National Research Agency (ANR) and European projects.

Joining the network

To join the network, simply email the CDGA Office.

The expected workload is light and can be adapted to suit each situation. Additionally, advisors can request an engagement letter from the CDGA Office to raise awareness of this activity.