This online, fully self-paced training course provides a comprehensive introduction to the management of marine data, including the guiding principles of data management and typical responsibilities for data managers, data stewards and scientists.

During this training course, you will be introduced to several general aspects related to the management of marine data, including, metadata, quality control, data policy, data sharing and publishing, data management plans and the research data life cycle. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe and implement the core tasks required for the processing of marine data, explain the importance of metadata, advise researchers on the research data life cycle and explain why a good data management plan is key from the very first initiation steps of a project.

This course is developed by, and for, marine data managers, data stewards and researchers, working in institutions responsible for the collection and good management of marine data in all fields (oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics).

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, participants should be able to:

• Describe the phases of the Research Data Life Cycle
• Explain the concept of a Data Management Plan
• Explain the concept and importance of metadata
• identify suitable file formats for data preservation and sharing
• Identify approriate repositories for your data 
• Summarise the goal of assigning a data licence
• Explain the common concerns related to data reuse

Course contents (may be subject to small adaptations):

• General overview of data management, its principles and organisation
• Research Data Life Cycle
• Data Management Plan
• Open & FAIR data 
• Data licences
• Metadata
• Data standards & quality control 

Target audience

Marine data managers, data stewards and researchers, working in institutions responsible for the collection and good management of marine data in all fields (oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics).

Language and computer skills required (Applicants are expected to have):

• a good working knowledge of English
• basic computer skills
• the ability to find resources through search engines
• experience in downloading and installing software
• experience using a word processing, presentation software, or other productivity applications
• experience/familiarity with a variety of file formats such as: .pdf, doc or .docx, .txt, and .csv
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers

Instructors/Organisers

This course is made possible with the input of several people from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and the IOC/IODE:

• Leen Vandepitte - VLIZ
• Claudia Delgado – IOC/IODE
• Greg Reed – IOC/IODE
• Cheikh Baye Ould Moulaye, IOC/IODE
• others to be announced

Course duration and format:

The course will be delivered online and includes an estimated 5-8 hours of asynchronous, self-paced learning, per week, to be completed between 28 March 2022 - 6 May 2022 (6 weeks), with a total of ~ 40 hours. No synchronous sessions are planned, but asynchronous assistance will be available during the course.

Learner Assessment:

A certificate of attendance will be issued if all course modules segments have been completed, and a minimum of 80% is achieved on the assessments (quizzes, assignments).

Application Process

A limited number of seats is available. Please complete the online application form available on https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/z6lqcsn095e6f9/ 

The deadline to submit the application is 26 February 2022 (23:59 CET: Central European Time). There are no tuition fees.

UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as email subject.