We propose an interactive session on “Data Hunters,” a role-play card game designed to enhance the educational experience of data stewards, researchers, students, supporting staff etc, in research data management. Developed by 4TU.ResearchData in collaboration with the 4TU.ResearchData Engagement and Delft University of Technology Education Working Group, this innovative tool serves as a multi-functional educational resource based on a real-life case study designed and elaborated from the working group efforts.
“Data Hunters” is a versatile card game developed to simulate the complexities and challenges of creating an effective research data management plan. The game is based on a case study focused on creating inclusive and resilient dwelling clusters for urban resettlement in Kathmandu, Nepal. This project, which functions as a ‘living lab,’ involves community engagement to define problems and evaluate solutions, providing a dynamic and realistic context for the game.
The primary goal of “Data Hunters” is to finalize a research data management plan that addresses various challenges and meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.

Our meeting objectives include showcasing innovative case studies like the “Kathmandu Urban Resettlement Project” to demonstrate the benefits of FAIR data principles. We aim to foster collaboration by encouraging participants to share experiences and ideas, creating a vibrant community dedicated to innovative uses of FAIR data.
Interactive learning activities, including role-playing exercises, will provide hands-on experience with FAIR data management. We will also highlight the potential of gamified tools, such as the “Data Hunters” card game, to make learning engaging and accessible.
To promote empathy, we will use role-play to help participants understand different perspectives and challenges in research data management. Open discussions will facilitate knowledge sharing, allowing participants to exchange ideas, success stories, and challenges related to FAIR data. Finally, we will gather feedback to refine and improve future sessions and educational tools.

“Data Hunters” is currently a prototype, and we plan to gather and collect information from other training groups to create more use cases applicable to different fields. In the future, we aim to present new ideas for gamifying RDM and collaborate with other interest and working groups within RDA. For instance, the “Capacity Development for Agriculture Data WG” could implement the “Data Hunters” card game to improve their training programs.

Another example would be contributing to the IG “Education and Training on Handling of Research Data,” as we share similar objectives of exchanging information about existing initiatives and promoting training/education to manage research data throughout the data lifecycle, providing an opportunity for professionals dealing with RDM to collaborate. This IG will present an interesting session on the future of RDM education, aiming to explore different perspectives by analyzing various approaches to teaching and training in this topic. By comparing experiences from different educational models and institutions, we aim to provide insights into what works well in diverse settings. Therefore, we see significant potential for future collaboration.

As our session is a Birds of a Feather session, we need the opportunity at the plenary to collect interest and insights from different professionals interested in RDM to potentially evolve into a larger entity, such as an Interest Group.

We look forward to presenting this session and contributing to the professional development of the research data management community. Thank you for considering our proposal.

The meeting agenda will begin with a brief introduction to the “Data Hunters” game and its development by the 4TU.ResearchData and Delft University of Technology Education Working Group. Participants will then engage in an interactive demonstration of the game, taking on various roles such as Researchers, Data Stewards, Ethics Experts, and Legal and Privacy Advisors, , each with specific objectives and responsibilities. The game includes challenge cards that introduce planning difficulties (e.g., language barriers among research team members) and danger cards that present unexpected obstacles requiring immediate resolution. Following the gameplay, there will be a discussion led by real experts (us – Alessandra, Carla and Roxana) who will provide insights specific to the case study, answer questions, and share their professional experiences. The session will conclude with a feedback segment, Q&A and conversation where participants can share their experiences using games (such data hunters card game) to enhance education experiences, and suggestions for improving the game and its application in RDM training. Additionally, there will be a focus on how participants can apply the skills and principles learned from the game in their own research contexts, encouraging ongoing engagement and collaboration within the RDA community.

Phase 1: Welcome and Icebreaking (10 min)
Icebreaking activity
Introduction to the story, roles, cards, and
Distribute cards.

Phase 2: Introduce the Game and Assessment Form (15 min)
Groups read cards, understand profiles, and game content
Consultation with experts if needed
Overview of objectives, challenges, and time management

Phase 3: Assessment (20 min)
Group discussion led by the researcher reporting findings

Phase 4: Presentation Assessment (5 min)
Teams vote on each other’s assessments to determine winner

Phase 5: Surprise Element – New Assessment (10 min)
Address new challenge (danger card) and compare with previous answers

Phase 6: Conversation among participants about the possibility of forming an interest group, look for potential co-chairs/members, Q&A, wrap-up (20 -25 min).

We look forward to the opportunity to present “Data Hunters” and contribute to the ongoing education and professional development of the research data management community.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XMg0mvNE9QiGxCEtgktWyVDkVvxFc5j-