Data Champion Award 2026

© U Bremen Research Alliance

WHO CAN APPLY?

The award is open to data enthusiasts who have applied or have made significant contributions in FAIR and responsible data handling. Examples of eligible contributions are:
A FAIR data set // The development of workflows to produce FAIR research results // The publication of developed software code // The implementation of procedures facilitating innovative data reuse // The implementation of a collaborative data-intensive research process // Training in data literacy or community building measures // Formats to transfer data literacy into the society // etc.

Both individual and group nominations are welcome. Candidates may:

  • Self-nominate or be nominated by colleagues or supervisors.
  • Be students or researchers affiliated with DataNord institutions.

EVALUATION

We will evaluate nominations taking the following aspects into account:

  • Consideration of FAIR principles.
  • Critical view on data, methods, and results with respect to ethical, legal and social aspects.
  • Impact and innovation in data handling and sharing.
  • Community engagement and contributions to data literacy.
  • Sustainability and reusability of the developments.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

The EUR 1,500 prize can be used to support activities such as:

  • Purchasing software or tools for managing, analyzing or visualizing research data.
  • Attending conferences or trainings related to managing research data or data-intensive research.
  • Funding collaborative research initiatives or outreach/transfer activities.

Additionally, winners receive:

  • Public recognition at Bremen’s Research Data Day (April 15, 2026) including a presentation opportunity.
  • Visibility through DataNord’s communication channels.

HOW TO APPLY?

Interested data enthusiasts or nominators should submit a completed nomination form along with:

A brief statement of contribution (1 page) highlighting the nominee’s achievements and impact.
A letter of support (optional but encouraged).
Any relevant documentation showcasing the work.

Deadline for submissions: February 15, 2026.
Please contact datanord@uni-bremen.de for any questions.

In DataNord kooperieren

Alfred-Wegener-Institut
BIBA
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz
Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum
DLR-Institut für den Schutz maritimer Infrastrukturen
DLR Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme
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Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung
Fraunhofer-Institut für Windenergiesysteme
Fraunhofer-Institut für Digitale Medizin
Hochschule Bremen
ifib
Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung
Leibniz-Institut für Werkstofforientierte Technologien
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung
Max-Planck-Institut für Marine Mikrobiologie
Universität Bremen

Offizielle Verleihung des Data Champion Award 2024 und 2025

© Kerstin Rolfes / U Bremen Research Alliance
© Kerstin Rolfes / U Bremen Research Alliance
© Kerstin Rolfes / U Bremen Research Alliance
© Jens Lehmkühler / U Bremen Research Alliance
© Jens Lehmkühler / U Bremen Research Alliance

DataNord wird gefördert vom Bundesministerium für ­Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) und finanziert von der der Europäischen Union - NextGenerationEU.