A School and a Network: CODATA-RDA Data Science Summer Schools Alumni Survey

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive alumni survey of the CODATA-RDA Schools for Research Data Science (SRDS), evaluating the impact of this network of residential training programs that began in 2016. The survey captured responses from 45% of alumni (180 respondents) from schools held between 2016-2019, representing 46 nationalities primarily from low/middle-income countries. The SRDS curriculum uniquely combines technical data science training with open science practices and responsible research conduct, delivered through intensive 2-week residential programs. Key findings demonstrate that 90% of alumni continued conducting research using acquired skills, with particularly high value placed on modules covering open and responsible research and research data management. The survey revealed strong network effects, with 79% of respondents maintaining peer contact and 31% establishing formal academic collaborations. Alumni also became advocates for open science practices in their home institutions, with 63% actively promoting open science and 76% informally sharing skills with peers. This research contributes to understanding the effectiveness of face-to-face training models versus online alternatives, particularly for capacity building in underrepresented regions. The work demonstrates how community-initiated RDA activities can evolve into impactful international networks that address critical gaps in data science education and open science adoption.

Recommended citation: Bezuidenhout, L., Drummond-Curtis, S., Walker, B., Shanahan, H., & Alfaro-Córdoba, M. (2021). "A School and a Network: CODATA-RDA Data Science Summer Schools Alumni Survey." Data Science Journal. 20: 10, pp. 1–12. DOI: 10.5334/dsj-2021-010
Download Paper