About the Program

As the volume of both born-digital and digitized data spaces continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important—across universities and research institutions, cultural heritage organizations, and the private sector—for the complex task of data management to be supported by trained professionals.

Data stewards are specialists who, keeping pace with technological innovations, are able to manage large volumes of digital data effectively, whether the data originates from research, collections, or other sources.

The aim of this postgraduate program is to train professionals operating at the intersection of library and information science, digital humanities, and IT. After acquiring advanced techniques for managing digital or digitized data, graduates will be able to handle such data individually or as part of a team, within legal frameworks, and in a project-based setting if needed.

The program places special emphasis on ensuring data security and authenticity, establishing conditions for FAIR research data management, identifying and enabling secondary use of data, as well as populating and operating systems designed for such purposes.

During the program, participants acquire systematic knowledge of data management models and workflows, as well as the technologies used in data handling. Students gain insight into the processes and potential of project-based teamwork, along with its legal framework, with special emphasis on the considerations that support informed decisions regarding open or restricted data access.

The program is practice-oriented: in addition to learning about the tools, participants also explore the range of roles that can be assumed within a data management workflow. The curriculum includes an overview of practices at various Hungarian and international research institutions and collections, and students complete a project task in collaboration with our professional partners.

Target group

Researchers from any academic discipline, staff involved in maintaining research infrastructures, employees of university and research libraries, and professionals working in scientometrics, research support, and research management.

Employees of public institutions and companies responsible for data management and data security.

Staff of cultural institutions, public and private collections, collection managers, and professionals involved in digitization.

What knowledge does the program provide? What makes it unique?

The data steward profession is currently emerging. In many fields, there is a growing need for professionals who can expertly manage increasing volumes of data while keeping pace with technological advancements. Data stewardship has become a rapidly growing and in-demand area of expertise.

The Department of Digital Humanities at ELTE’s Institute of History offers Hungary’s first certified training program in data stewardship.

This postgraduate program provides market-relevant, competitive knowledge. It offers insights into domestic professional communities as well as international projects.

Curriculum

The postgraduate program consists of two semesters, during which participants earn a total of 60 credits. To complete the program, students must pass a final examination and submit a concluding project. 

Program start: September 2025 

The e-learning materials cover the fundamental knowledge that participants are expected to acquire, which they can then apply and test during practical sessions. In addition to written content, the e-learning modules also include videos to support individual learning.

The data management information is available at the following link.