The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) Sensitive Data Expert Group (SDEG) is seeking nominations for two Co-Chair positions, for 2-year renewable terms beginning in Spring 2024.
About the SDEG
The SDEG sits within the larger Alliance Research Data Management Network of Experts. The SDEG is composed of specialists and experts in sensitive research data management (RDM), including research ethics professionals, RDM librarians, and members of government and non-governmental organizations. The SDEG is currently being re-booted with an aim to refresh its mandate and membership. New areas of focus will include a subject matter advisory role for the Alliance’s Controlled Access Management (CAM) for Research Data Initiative, focus on sensitive data types beyond human participant data, and new collaborations with other Expert and Working groups within the Network of Experts.
About the SDEG Co-Chair position
The SDEG Chair responsibilities include:
- Advise on and contribute to the planning and development of initiatives related to sensitive research data in Canada.
- Identify and prioritize resources or supports required to advance the work of the SDEG, for example, oversee the creation of a Working Group to advance a particular SDEG initiative.
- Serve as SDEG’s liaison to the larger Network of Experts Council of Chairs. Report on SDEG activities and identify areas for collaboration or potential synergies with other Expert Groups.
- Engage with other stakeholders in the DRI ecosystem, such as representatives of other Expert Groups, representatives from Research Software and Advanced Research Computing, or Tri-Agency representatives, on topics of mutual interest.
- Chair monthly SDEG meetings (60 minutes).
- Participate in various meetings such as twice monthly planning meetings with SDEG Co-Chairs and Alliance Data Governance & Ethics Lead to set SDEG agenda (60 minutes), quarterly meetings with the larger Network of Experts Council of Chairs to support the integrated operation of the Network of Experts (60 minutes), quarterly meetings with the larger Network of Experts membership (90 minutes).
There is some flexibility in position responsibilities and meeting frequency and opportunities to shape the direction of the SDEG with input from Co-Chairs and SDEG membership.
Co-Chairs of SDEG advise on and contribute to the planning and development of work that supports sensitive RDM within Canada and serve as members of the Network of Experts Council of Chairs. The Council is comprised of the Chairs of all active Expert Groups and serves three fundamental purposes:
- Advising on and contributing to the planning and development of RDM-related initiatives in Canada
- Coordinating the work of Expert and designated Working Groups to identify and address gaps, areas for collaboration and other potential synergies
- Identifying and prioritizing resources/supports required to advance the work of each Expert and designated Working Group to inform the work of the Alliance
Chairs serve as leaders within the Network of Experts and the broader community of practice, both of which are foundational to the work of the Alliance. Chairs will also be included, as appropriate, in stakeholder interactions connected to their Expert Groups.
How to apply
We welcome nominations from individuals who are engaged or interested in sensitive or restricted research data within their organization. To put your name forward for consideration, please email an expression of interest to Victoria Smith at victoria.smith@alliancecan.ca with your name, affiliation, position title and a brief description of how you envision your engagement with the SDEG may align with your current position or interests.
Nominations received before February 29, 2024, will receive full consideration.
Please be advised that this is a volunteer position with an estimated time commitment of 5-10 hours per month. While we strive to create bilingual resources and training opportunities, SDEG meetings are currently conducted in English.
For more information, please contact Victoria Smith.
About the Network of Experts
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada Research Data Management Network of Experts is a Canada-wide collaboration of RDM- and RDM-aligned professionals. The Network is critical in developing and providing resources, expert advice and practical help to assist with the management of research data at every stage of the data lifecycle. The key characteristics and value of the Network are its volunteer membership, rich expertise, and collective willingness to advance RDM in Canada.