Research Data Management (RDM) in life sciences: essentials
Research Data Management (RDM) in life sciences: essentials
12 June 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
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.
Jone Paesmans
Jone Paesmans is a Research Data Steward at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, supporting researchers in the domains of life sciences & medicine, and natural sciences & (bio)engineering with research data management (RDM). She combines a solid knowledge of RDM and its legal and regulatory aspects with hands-on experience from her PhD in bio-engineering sciences, and is committed to helping researchers build robust, compliant, and well-organized data practices throughout their research careers.
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
12 June 2026
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
Belgium
12 June 2026
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
The campus is well served by metro, tram and buses of MIVB and De Lijn. An overview of stops around the campus can be found on the access plan.
Plan your route with the planner of MIVB and De Lijn.
The campus is easily accessible by train. Etterbeek and Delta train stations are within walking distance. From Brussels Central Station, in addition to the train to Etterbeek station, you can also take metro line 5 to Pétillon stop or cycle 5 km to the campus. You can plan your trip to VUB with the NMBS route planner.
12 June 2026
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Brussels is building a network of cycling routes so that cyclists can get around safely. You can use the Brussels Route Planner to find the fastest or safest cycling route in Brussels. To commute easily from Flanders, you can use the Cycle Highways.
On the Campus Map, you will find an overview of bike tracks spread across the campus. At Student Information (Building D) you find the largest bike parking. There are several Villo! Stations around the campus where you can take a bike with a subscription or ticket and return it to another Villo! Station of your choice.
Here you can find more information on cycling to VUB and in Brussels.
12 June 2026
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Plan your route via maps.
Visitors can request access by car via this link. Enter the campus via entrance 6 on Triomflaan and park in the underground car park under building I.
Low Emission Zone: The campus is located in the low emission zone (LEZ) of Brussels Capital Region (BCR). If you come by car, check whether your car is allowed to drive in the LEZ. If your car doesn't meet the access criteria for the LEZ, then you can buy a day pass. Cars registered abroad must register for the LEZ unless they are registered in The Netherlands.