‘Train to Transform’ is a new UK Data Service (UKDS) project, which will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, to help improve the skills of librarians with training students and academic staff on how to make the best use of datasets held in the UK Data Service’s collection.
The project is funded by a £10,000 DisCouRSE grant, led by Beate Lichtwardt, a Senior Training and Support Officer at the UK Data Service, who will also be the Principal Investigator for the project.
What does the project aim to achieve?
In the evolving landscape of digital research, (data) librarians play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between data infrastructures, such as the UK Data Service, and engagement by students, as well as academic staff. However, many librarians lack the information, tools, and training needed to confidently introduce UK Data Service data and resources within teaching and research contexts. This project addresses that challenge by equipping librarians with the skills and materials required to become effective facilitators of UK Data Service data literacy.
In collaboration with the UK Data Service and academic stakeholders, the project will develop a suite of train the trainer resources, tailored for librarians to use with students and staff across disciplines. These materials will be piloted through interactive workshops, enabling iterative refinement based on participant feedback, before being made available online.
The project aims to:
- Enhance librarians’ digital research data skills and teaching capabilities.
- Foster professional development and leadership in data education.
- Create scalable, reusable training resources for UK HE and FE institutions.
Overall, the project will strengthen the role of librarians as digital research data champions, support career development in data-driven education, improve access to UK Data Service data and resources for students and staff, plus contribute to a more data-literate academic community.
DisCouRSE: Developing a Community of Leaders
DisCouRSE is a new UKRI-funded Network+ project that will encourage and support the development of leaders across all digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) roles, resulting in an empowered and connected community equipped to shape the future of digital research.
By focusing on leadership, career pathways, and community collaboration, DisCouRSE helps to address long-standing challenges around recognition, progression, and sustainability in the many roles essential to make effective use of the UK’s digital research infrastructure.
The project brings together partners from academia, the public sector, industry, and international networks to ensure broad impact and relevance. Through its work packages and flexible funding scheme, DisCouRSE will deliver practical tools, frameworks, and opportunities that strengthen both individuals and institutions.
DisCouRSE Flexible Fund supports community-led projects aligned with their goals, enabling aspiring leaders to trial approaches to enhancing skills and career opportunities within their local contexts, build new connections through joint initiatives, and strategically assess options for future investment and activity.
PI: Beate Lichtwardt, UK Data Service/UK Data Archive, University of Essex.