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, researchers, data stewards, or other professionals 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).
  • 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.

Cooperating in DataNord

Alfred Wegener Institute
BIBA
German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence
German Maritime Museum
In­sti­tute for the Pro­tec­tion of Mar­itime In­fras­truc­tures
German Aerospace Center – Institute of Space Systems
DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems and Energy System Technology
Fraunhofer Institute for Medical Image Computing
Hochschule Bremen
ifib
Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology
Leibniz Institute for Material-Oriented Technologies
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
Universität Bremen

Award Ceremony Data Champion Award 2024 and 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 is supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.