IDCC27 W3: Mindfulness as a complementary competence in data stewardship

Workshop 3: Mindfulness as a complementary competence in data stewardship: theory, practice and lessons learned Workshop Description: This half-day workshop explores Mindful Data Stewardship as a complementary competence for Data Stewardship and Digital Curation. It builds on the experience of a one-day workshop delivered in vocational training in Research Data Stewardship in Switzerland and a peer-reviewed publication on the same topic. The objective is threefold. First, the workshop will introduce the theoretical background of Mindfulness and its application to Data Stewardship, with particular attention to the role of Data Stewards as bridge builders, facilitators, engaged listeners, and service-oriented professionals. Second, it will present practical examples and lessons learned from previous implementations, including the design of the original workshops, participant reactions, adaptations made between editions, and the decision to frame participation as optional. Third, it will open a critical discussion on the opportunities, limits, risks, and possible future integration of mindfulness-related practices in the professional field. The workshop is not intended to provide a condensed mindfulness training session. Instead, it takes a meta-perspective on the topic. The format will combine short presentations, selected examples from the previous workshops, guided reflection, small-group discussion and practical exercises plus plenary exchange. We will also discuss the relationship between consciousness, the mind, mindfulness and Artificial Intelligence. If interest among participants, part of the final discussion may be reserved for exploring possible follow-up activities, such as a joint scientific project or an international vocational training initiative on Mindful Data Stewardship. The target audience includes Data Stewards, research data managers, digital curators, data librarians and archivists, Open Science officers, repository managers, trainers, infrastructure specialists, and researchers interested in the human dimensions of FAIR Digital Objects. No prior experience with mindfulness is required. Agenda 08:30 - 09:00 Registration 09:00 - 09:15 Ice Breakers 09:15 - 09:30 What is mindfulness? 09:30 - 10:00 Examples and Practical Exercise 10:00 - 10:15 Connections between Mindfulness and Data Stewardship 10:00 - 10:15 Coffee Break 10:15 - 10:30 Practical Exercise 10:30 - 11:00 Focus on a. The engaged listener and b. The One Person Data Steward 11:00 - 11:30 Practical Exercise and Exchange 11:30 - 11:45 Side effects of Mindfulness 11:45 - 12:00 Evaluation and Follow Up 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch Tickets Workshop tickets are priced at £100, with discounted student tickets available for £75. To qualify for the student rate, please email proof of your student status to [email protected]. This workshop is organised and subsidised by the Haute école de gestion de Genève.