What is Data Train Advanced?
- Data Train Advanced is a cross-disciplinary Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) program for Research Data Management and Data Science, designed specifically for Early-Career Researchers.
- Data Train Advanced is structured in four modules of 6 credit points each. You can complete individual modules as focused qualifications (microcredits) or combine modules into one of four certificate courses (microdegrees).
- All certificate pathways start with Module 1: Introduction to Data Literacy and Research Data Management. Building on this foundation, you can choose a focus on data handling (Data Stewardship skills), data analysis (Data Science skills) or a combination of both skillsets. The four available certificate options are:
- Data Stewardship
- Data Science
- Research Data Management and Data Science
- Advanced Research Data Management and Data Science
What do I gain from participating?
Formal qualification in data literacy and a recognized Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) from the University of Bremen, demonstrating your data competencies for academia and beyond. The Certificate of Advanced Studies is an internationally recognized credential awarded under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Data Train Advanced helps you advance your research workflow and develop the skills that can set you apart in a data-driven (academic) career.
You'll learn directly from researchers and data professionals from diverse research areas, following a structured yet flexible curriculum that allows you to focus on the skills that matter most for your research.
Who is Data Train Advanced for?
The program has been designed for:
- Doctoral Researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Scientific Support Staff who work with data
Suitable for participants from all disciplines, no data science background needed. Publishing is required to complete the modules.
How can I apply?
How to apply for Data Train Advanced
Five steps, one form, done.
1. Pick Module 1.
Everyone starts here. Courses from January to June, 270 €, no prior knowledge. The other modules follow later.
2. Get your proof ready.
Doctoral researchers: proof of enrollment at a German university, or a statement from your supervisor.
Postdocs and scientific support staff: a short statement from your supervisor confirming your role in a current research project. Template on the program page.
3. Fill in the online form.
Takes a few minutes. Upload your proof. Submit by 31 December.
4. Wait for confirmation.
Places are limited. If there are more applications than places, there is a waiting list.
5. Start in January, decide the rest later.
Which certificate you work towards depends on the modules you add later in. Once you have successfully completed the relevant modules, you can apply for your certificate to be issued.
Apply on our partner website at Akademie für Weiterbildung
Professionalize Your Research Workflow
Research demands more than just subject expertise—it requires a robust, efficient workflow. Data Train Advanced helps you professionalize every step of your process along the research lifecycle, from the initial project design to the final publication and data reuse. We help you integrate these skills seamlessly into your existing projects, so you don’t just learn theory—you apply it immediately to your own work.
Open to All Disciplines
Whether you work with sensor data, qualitative interviews, or multimodal datasets, our methods are adaptable to your field.
Complimentary to Your Research
Enhance your current workflow without derailing your core objectives. Your future self will thank you for the efficiency.
Ideal for Early-Career Researchers
Build the practical, transferable skills that set you apart in a competitive (academic) job market.
Earn a Recognized Qualification
Your time is valuable, and your effort should be recognized. This program goes beyond a simple certificate of attendance. You will earn a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), a formal, internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates your commitment to professional growth to academic committees and employers beyond academia.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
A formal credential that adds significant weight to your CV and funding applications.
Internationally Recognized
A globally understood standard of advanced training, validating your expertise on an international stage.
Career Catalyst
Signal to future employers — in academia or industry — that you are a proactive, highly skilled professional.
Join a Cross-Disciplinary Community
Data challenges are rarely solved in isolation. Data Train Advanced is led by scientific experts and brings together a vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary group of learners and lecturers from across the region. This is your opportunity to break out of your silo, gain fresh perspectives on your research, and build a lasting professional network.
Led by Scientific Experts
Learn directly from researchers and data professionals who are at the top of their fields.
Interdisciplinary Exchange
Collaborate with peers from diverse research areas, fostering innovative solutions to complex problems.
Build Your Community
Connect with a regional and international network of like-minded researchers, creating opportunities for future collaboration.
A Structured, Flexible Curriculum
We understand that your research comes first. That’s why our curriculum is designed to be structured yet flexible, offering a strong return on your time investment. The applied approach ensures that every session is useful, practical, and directly relevant to your daily work, allowing you to see immediate benefits without overwhelming your schedule.
Maximize Your Impact
Focus your learning on the skills that matter most, with a streamlined curriculum that respects your time.
Structured, Yet Flexible
Follow a clear learning path that adapts to your research timeline and personal commitments.
Applied Approach
Complement your research with hands-on, practical applications that you can implement in your research projects tomorrow.
Select modules
Start with module 1 and continue with your preferred follow-up module(s). Each module is worth 6 credit points (microcredit).
1. Introduction to Data Literacy and Research Data Management
2. Data Stewardship Applications
3. Data Science Applications
4. Research Data Management and Data Science
Work towards a Certificate of Advanced Studies
Combine modules to earn one of our Certificates of Advanced Studies (microdegree). Certificates are worth between 12-18 credit points, depending on selection.
Data Stewardship
Data Science
Research Data Management and Data Science
Advanced Research Data Management and Data Science
- Learn more about the curriculum
Details and contents of modules and certificates on our partner website
Mailing List
- Sign up for our mailing list
Stay up to date on the latest news from Data Train Advanced and make sure not to miss the application deadline.
