CaSDaR Townhall Launch: Event Report

CaSDaR launched on the 18th September 2025 with a Townhall launch, hosted at The Library of Birmingham with hybrid attendance. The event presented the current landscape of Data Stewardship in the UK, introduced the mission and goals of CaSDaR, gathered input on what support and recognition was needed, and launched a funding call to support Data Stewardship initiatives. The programme included sessions on the following: Inspiring Data Steward stories; Contributions from partners including PSDI, UKRN, ELIXIR-UK, and DCC; Lightning talks from UK and international Data Stewards (all participants had the option to submit lightning talks/posters); Interactive discussions with current stewardship initiatives; and Details of the CaSDaR funding call. CaSDaR aims to bring together key groups across sectors to collaborate and support each other in creating a defined role and pathway for data stewards in the UK. Therefore, the launch presented an excellent opportunity to engage with the community. The aims of this event were to introduce CaSDaR's team, to raise awareness of our remit, connect with the community, develop links with existing networks of Data Stewards, and to identify areas in which our community wants further action.