MicroCreds: Innovative Training for Sustainable Communities

<jats:p>The Sonraí Irish Data Stewardship Network was initially funded and developed under the National Open Research Forum 2022 Open Research Fund call, which was designed to implement six priority actions in Ireland’s National Action Plan for Open Research 2022–2030. As we move from a project phase to a self-sustaining network, options for financial sustainability and for delivering value to our community of data stewards are being explored, recognising the valuable role data stewards play in the curation of research data. Therefore, a fee-based micro-credential in Data Stewardship at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, is being rolled out. According to the UCC MicroCreds Project, micro-credentials are proof of learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short, flexible course. They are also stackable and portable, and are ideal for anyone looking to upskill or reskill in bite-sized pieces that have value in the workplace. A micro-credential Task and Finish group was established within Sonraí in October 2024. Using the Skills4EOSC Curriculum Outline for Data Stewards, they completed a significant amount of work in adapting the curriculum to the Irish context. The launch of the Introduction to Data Stewardship micro-credential in 2026 is a targeted investment in skills that will increase institutional capacity to align practices with funder, policy and legislative requirements for digital curation. In addition, it will provide a route to an accredited data stewardship career pathway, providing Sonraí a means for longer-term self-sustainability. The roll-out of the accredited micro-credential in data stewardship will provide a sustainable feedback loop for the community, empowering professionals, encouraging advocacy and enabling reinvestment in expanded engagement and training activities. This circular model supports recognition and professionalisation of the role and enriches the research ecosystem.</jats:p>