Sharon Bolton, in her own words:
After many years at the UK Data Archive and a long association with CESSDA, I am retiring with a strong sense of gratitude and pride in what has been achieved over three decades of work in data curation and international collaboration.
The early days
I joined the UK Data Archive in 1995, initially working on the RCADE project (Research Centre for Access to Data on Europe). At the time, improving access to European data was an emerging and ambitious area of work. The project provided an early opportunity to engage seriously with data sharing, standards, and cross-border collaboration—experiences that laid the foundation for much of my later career.
“Following RCADE, I moved into the Data Curation team, where I found a role that would come to define my professional life. I went on to lead the team for the past 20 years, overseeing significant changes in both the scale and complexity of data curation. During this period, the field evolved rapidly in response to new technologies, research practices, and growing expectations around access, quality, and reuse. Being part of that evolution—and helping to guide it—has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Preserving the future
The work of data curation often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to the long-term value and usability of research data. I have been fortunate to work alongside highly skilled and dedicated colleagues at the UK Data Archive, whose commitment and expertise have enabled us to maintain high standards while continually adapting to change. Leading the Data Curation team has been a real privilege, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.
Alongside my UK Data Archive role, I have been involved with CESSDA since its inception—an aspect of my career that has been both central and deeply enjoyable. I began by attending CESSDA expert seminars and conferences and contributing to the early development of NESSTAR, working with Service Provider colleagues across Europe to address shared challenges in data access and metadata. It has been wonderful to see CESSDA grow and strengthen over the years, welcoming new members who each bring their own expertise and perspectives to the community.
Moving into the twenty-first century
Following another colleague’s retirement, I embarked on an intensive period of work with CESSDA, which proved to be the most rewarding and satisfying work I have ever done. I led on behalf of the UK Data Archive in the early development of the CESSDA Metadata Model (CMM) and the CESSDA Vocabulary Service. This work spanned and grew into multiple strands, including Metadata Office, ELSST, and most recently, EOSC-ENTRUST, in collaboration with colleagues from the CESSDA Main Office and fellow Service Providers GESIS and TÁRKI. Each of these projects has highlighted the strength of collaboration across Service Providers and the value of shared infrastructures and vocabularies. Above all, they reinforced the importance of cooperation, openness, and mutual learning in sustaining high-quality data services.
“What, you mean you do the same job as me?”
One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with CESSDA has been the opportunity to work closely with peers across Europe and beyond. It is rare—and invaluable—to be part of a community of people who truly understand the specifics of your role and the challenges it entails. These professional connections have been both affirming and enjoyable, and the relationships formed over the years have been a lasting highlight of my career.
Time to hand over
As I move into retirement, I am confident that this work will continue in capable hands, both at the UK Data Archive and across the wider CESSDA community. I am deeply grateful for the trust, support, and collaboration I have experienced throughout my career, and I leave with many positive memories of working with thoughtful and committed colleagues.
Looking ahead, retirement offers time to focus on the things that make life rich and rewarding: spending more time with family and friends, pursuing art and music, getting outdoors in the fresh air, exploring new places and finding new creative inspiration.
While this marks the end of my professional role, my interest in data, collaboration, and creativity remains strong. I leave with sincere thanks to everyone I have worked with over the years, and with confidence in the continued strength and impact of the communities I have been part of. Here’s to the next 30 years.