Call for Applications for DataCite Steering, Working, and Expert Groups 2024

As a global community, DataCite encourages involvement from people that share our vision: to ensure that research outputs and resources are openly available and connected so that their reuse can advance knowledge across and between disciplines, now and in the future. To help guide and support our growth and ongoing development, DataCite has several committees for community members to advise and support DataCite:

• Services and Technology Steering Group (STSG)
• Community Engagement Steering Group (CESG)
• Americas Expert Group
• APAC Expert Group
• EMEA Expert Group
• Metadata Working Group (WG)

We are happy to announce that we currently have an open call for nominations for new steering, working, and expert group members.

About the Groups 

The groups provide a venue for participation and feedback by interested community members and help us with priority setting and identifying strategies related to our services, metadata, and community outreach. The members meet virtually on a monthly (WG), bi-monthly (CESG, STSG), or quarterly (regional Expert Group) basis. All members of the groups are expected to actively participate in the virtual meetings, with asynchronous written contributions between meetings.

Each group has open seats for representatives from member organizations, as well as seats for representatives from non-member organizations who bring new expertise to the groups. Group members will be chosen based on their specific expertise. We strive for diversity and are therefore looking to include members from different regions, genders, backgrounds, and types of organizations. We specifically encourage members from Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to apply.

Services and Technology Steering Group

The STSG is responsible for providing expertise and advice on DataCite's service and technology development. The group helps to guide DataCite's engineering and product work by discussing planned activities and providing input on technical approaches and service considerations. The STSG aligns its work with the Community Engagement Steering Group (CESG) so that technology and services are aligned with DataCite's community engagement efforts. We are currently calling for technology experts in the community to serve on the STSG. You can find more information about the Services and Technology Steering Group and the Terms of Reference on our website.

Community Engagement Steering Group

The CESG is responsible for identifying outreach needs for the DataCite community. This includes monitoring and assessing community needs and providing feedback on DataCite's priorities and services; recommending strategies and tools to communicate about DataCite's services, features, and plans; and helping to build relationships, cultivate discussions, and promote collaboration among the DataCite community. The CESG aligns its work with the Services and Technology Steering Group so that activities support DataCite's services and products. The CESG works with three regional Expert Groups: the Americas EG, the APAC EG, and the EMEA EG.

Regional Expert Groups

DataCite’s regional Expert Groups consist of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in persistent identifiers and open infrastructure. They play a crucial role in representing and advocating for the needs and interests of their respective regions. This ensures that DataCite's initiatives and strategies are tailored to meet the unique challenges and requirements of specific regions and countries, promoting global coordination and knowledge sharing.

You can find more information about the Community Engagement Steering Group, Expert Groups, and the Terms of Reference on our website.

Metadata Working Group

The Metadata Working Group (WG) advises DataCite on the maintenance of the DataCite Metadata Schema, in consultation with the DataCite community and under the guidance of the DataCite Board. In coordination with DataCite staff, the Working Group actively seeks the broader community's input and coordinates with community groups.

We are looking for new members to serve on the Metadata WG. Individuals who work with metadata harvesters, service providers/platform developers, and who have expertise in languages other than English are encouraged to apply. You can find more information about the Metadata Working Group and the Terms of Reference on our website.

Application Process

The call for applications is open starting today. Please indicate on the application form why you are interested in joining the group and what you will be able to contribute. Applications will close on November 10, 2024, and new members will join the groups in January 2025. If you have any questions about the groups or the application process, please contact us at info@datacite.org.

If you’re interested in joining the DataCite Executive Board, stay tuned as we will be opening the call for applications for the DataCite Board within the next two weeks.