The Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service is proud to announce its membership in the World Data System (WDS), a global network that promotes trusted data services and open science. WDS membership supports the long-term preservation, accessibility, and interoperability of research data worldwide. This membership confirms SU’s commitment to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and positions SUNScholarData as part of an international effort to advance data sharing and collaboration.
Joining WDS brings significant benefits for SUNScholarData and Stellenbosch University. It heightens the repository’s profile, giving worldwide visibility through the International Science Council, international funders, and the global data community. Membership also demonstrates our commitment to open science, promoting SUNScholarData as a trustworthy scientific data service aligned with WDS Data Sharing Principles. Finally, it enhances our repository’s performance and agility by improving data discovery and supporting international data exchange, thus ensuring our researchers’ work is more accessible, impactful, and globally connected.
SUNScholarData is also among a select group of CoreTrustSeal-certified data repositories in South Africa. These recognitions assure SU researchers that the data sets they deposit are curated and preserved according to internationally recognised standards of quality and trustworthiness.