IDCC27 W3: Mindfulness as a complementary competence in data stewardship

Workshop 3: Mindfulness as a complementary competence in data stewardship: theory, practice and lessons learned

Workshop Description:

This half-day workshop explores Mindful Data Stewardship as a complementary competence for Data Stewardship and Digital Curation. It builds on the experience of a one-day workshop delivered in vocational training in Research Data Stewardship in Switzerland and a peer-reviewed publication on the same topic.

The objective is threefold.

First, the workshop will introduce the theoretical background of Mindfulness and its application to Data Stewardship, with particular attention to the role of Data Stewards as bridge builders, facilitators, engaged listeners, and service-oriented professionals.

Second, it will present practical examples and lessons learned from previous implementations, including the design of the original workshops, participant reactions, adaptations made between editions, and the decision to frame participation as optional.

Third, it will open a critical discussion on the opportunities, limits, risks, and possible future integration of mindfulness-related practices in the professional field.

The workshop is not intended to provide a condensed mindfulness training session. Instead, it takes a meta-perspective on the topic. The format will combine short presentations, selected examples from the previous workshops, guided reflection, small-group discussion and practical exercises plus plenary exchange. We will also discuss the relationship between consciousness, the mind, mindfulness and Artificial Intelligence.