Marek Cebecauer becomes the first ambassador of the RDA domain ambassadors and TAB collaboration initiative

Dr. Marek Cebecauer, a researcher at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, has become the very first ambassador to participate in the pilot “RDA Domain Ambassadors and TAB Collaboration Initiative”, launched by the international organisation Research Data Alliance (RDA). RDA is a global community of experts dedicated to advancing open science, research data sharing, and the implementation of FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Its mission is to develop both technical and organisational solutions that facilitate international collaboration and effective data management across scientific disciplines.

The new initiative, running from February to July 2026, connects RDA Domain Ambassadors with the Technical Advisory Board (TAB). Its objective is to strengthen dialogue between disciplinary communities and the body responsible for RDA’s technical direction and governance. Through this collaboration, ambassadors can bring domain-specific insights directly into strategic discussions while gaining deeper understanding of RDA’s governance structures. The pilot follows a phased participation model, gradually moving ambassadors from an observer role to active contribution, including proposing ideas and identifying discipline-specific gaps and emerging needs.

Dr. Cebecauer brings expertise in applied science, materials science, and engineering to this role. As an RDA Domain Ambassador, he has long served as a bridge between specialised research communities and the broader RDA framework, promoting sound research data management practices and the uptake of RDA outputs. His involvement in the pilot initiative highlights the value of linking disciplinary knowledge with technical governance and further strengthens the visibility of Czech research in the field of open data and research infrastructures.