An international programme preparing data professionals for open science and research innovation
The second edition of the Master in Data Management and Curation (MDMC), jointly organised by Area Science Park and SISSA – International School for Advanced Studies, began on 22 September 2025.
The ten-month programme equips researchers and professionals with the advanced skills needed to manage and curate scientific data according to the FAIR principles—making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. A central feature of the course is its FAIR-by-design approach: rather than adapting datasets retrospectively, participants learn to embed FAIR practices from the earliest stages of data planning, within the broader framework of Open Science.
The 2025–2026 class brings together 15 students from seven countries, representing a wide range of disciplines and academic backgrounds. The programme combines eight intensive weeks of in-person lectures and practical exercises with a six-month internship at cutting-edge research laboratories or data-intensive institutions. This structure allows participants to develop and implement FAIR workflows in real scientific settings while addressing challenges such as semantic interoperability, metadata standards and sustainable data infrastructures.
By preparing graduates for roles such as Data Steward, Data Curator, Data Engineer and Data Manager, the MDMC aims to shape a new generation of data professionals capable of turning research data into a strategic asset for academic excellence, Open Science and data-driven innovation.
For further details, see the course’s scientific programme.
Watch the video featuring testimonials from students of the first 2024–2025 edition.