Research Data Management (RDM) in life sciences: essentials
Research Data Management (RDM) in life sciences: essentials
13 March 2026, 9h00- 17h00
General context
Effective research data management (RDM) is more than just a compliance requirement - it's a practical tool that simplifies your workflow, strengthens your research, and enhances the impact of your publications. This training is designed to help researchers embed RDM practices into their projects from the very beginning, always keeping the publication process in focus.
You will explore key concepts such as FAIR data, open data, and data documentation, while gaining hands-on experience in organizing, describing, and sharing data effectively. The course also addresses practical elements including metadata standards, Data Management Plans, and selecting suitable repositories.
- Define key Research Data Management (RDM) concepts, including FAIR data and open data principles
- Identify institutional resources and reliable resources that support effective data management
- Evaluate the relevance of Data Management Plan (DMP) elements and apply them to research projects
- Organize research data and documentation using standardized formats and appropriate metadata
- Explain ethical and legal considerations, including handling of personal/ sensitive data and GDPR compliance
- Select suitable repositories for data sharing, distinguishing between general and discipline-specific options
The training combines short lectures with interactive discussions and exercises, allowing participants to apply concepts to practical scenarios.
Participants are required to bring a laptop for hands-on activities.
This course has been designed for early-career researchers, but researchers in the life sciences at all career stages are welcome to strengthen their data management skills.
No prior knowledge is required to attend this course.
This course is part of multiple learning paths.
Trainers
Siham Benramdane
Siham Benramdane is an Expert in Research Data Management at the University of Antwerp, active since September 2022 within the Research Data Management team of the Research Affairs Office. She holds a PhD in Pharmacy in the field of Medicinal Chemistry from the same university and combines scientific expertise with strategic insight to support researchers in responsible data practices, mainly within the field of Life Sciences.
Robin Björklund
Robin Björklund is a Research Data Management Expert at the University of Antwerp. He obtained his PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics at KU Leuven, focusing on simulations of mass loss of massive stars and their impact on their stellar evolution. After his PhD, Robin worked at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy to research trace gases in the atmosphere and analyze trends of polar ozone. Since March 2025, he joined the Research Data Management Team at UAntwerp, where his focus is on researchers and data within the topics of Exact Science and Engineering.
Niels Geudens
Niels is a research data steward at VIB, where he oversees research data across various life science projects, handling all its aspects throughout the data's life cycle. Niels earned his PhD in Chemistry from Ghent University, specializing in the structural elucidation and mode of action of secondary metabolites. After his PhD, he was actively involved in teaching, delivering several university courses at the Bachelor and Master levels, and guiding thesis and PhD students as they navigate their first steps in academic research. Since April 2024, he is part of the Data Core at VIB.
Matheus Lourenço
Matheus Lourenço is a science communication expert and trainer at VIB. A behaviour change specialist and Marie-Curie fellow with a joint PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and Maastricht University, he pioneered innovative methodologies in tinnitus treatment and gathered accolades for his ability to make complex scientific approaches accessible to diverse audiences.
After completing his PhD, Matheus worked as a consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies, delivering strategic workshops worldwide. Now back in academia, he is committed to empowering researchers to communicate their work with clarity and impact, thereby strengthening the connection between science and society.
Program
RDM intro and key concepts
Coffee Break (provided)
Data Management Plan (DMP)
Coffee Break (provided)
Choosing the right repository
Lunch (provided)
DMP follow-up
Coffee break (provided)
Documentation and metadata
Break
Organization and folder structure
Practical info
13 March 2026
Antwerp - Campus Drie Eiken UAntwerpen
Universiteitsplein 1
2610 Antwerpen
Belgium
13 March 2026
Antwerp - Campus Drie Eiken UAntwerpen
Antwerp has a dense public transportation network. Buses and trams are available to take you to many different parts of the city. There are direct bus links to various other towns and cities as well. Plan your route using the De Lijn timetables.
- Campus Middelheim - Campus Groenenborger: around 7 min. on foot
- Campus Middelheim - Campus Drie Eiken: around 35 min.
- Campus Groenenborger - Campus Drie Eiken: around 45 min.
- Stadscampus - Campus Middelheim: around 45 min.
- Stadscampus - Campus Groenenborger: around 55 min.
- Stadscampus - Campus Drie Eiken: around 60 min.
Did you know Antwerp also has a water bus? You can use it to travel between the Antwerp city centre and nearby towns.
13 March 2026
Antwerp - Campus Drie Eiken UAntwerpen
Antwerp is a bike-friendly city. Get to know the smart and cheap way to travel around in Antwerp fot students.
For short trips in and around the city, a rental bike is ideal. Apart from the student bicycle and the Velo city bikes, there are several other bike rental options.
Do you need to cross the Scheldt? Check the availability of the bike lifts and escalators of the tunnels, or take Antwerp’s ferry service with your bike.
Cycling between campuses:
- Stadscampus - Campus Middelheim: 20 min.
- Stadscampus - Campus Groenenborger: 25 min.
- Stadscampus - Campus Drie Eiken: 30 min.
- Campus Middelheim - Campus Groenenborger: 4 min.
- Campus Middelheim - Campus Drie Eiken: 10 min.
- Campus Groenenborger - Campus Drie Eiken: 8 min.
The newest way to travel around Antwerp is by shared electric scooter.
13 March 2026
Antwerp - Campus Drie Eiken UAntwerpen
It’s recommended to travel to and in Antwerp by public transport. If you are travelling by car, take the following into account:
- There are P+R zones where you can park on various main roads into Antwerp. They are ideal places to switch to bus, tram or bike a few kilometres from the campus.
- The Antwerp city centre and part of Linkeroever (Antwerp’s left bank) are a low-emission zone: highly polluting vehicles are not allowed into the city.
- Keep in mind that the zone around the Stadscampus is a residential area with a speed limit of 20 km/h. Pedestrians freely make use of the entire road.
- Take possible road works and events into account.
- Within Antwerp, you can make use of the taxi service.
Campus Drie Eiken en Campus Groenenborger have free university parking spots.
Carpooling is not only fun and ecological, but also good for your wallet and you get to meet new people. Are you looking for a car ride or a fellow passenger, occasionally or daily? Take a look at our carpool platform.