DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.188548.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Curriculum for Bioimaging Data Stewardship: A Systematic Review of Existing Training Resources

Maximilian Müller, Matthias Landwehr, Mohsen Ahmadi, Vanessa Fuchs, Cornelia Wetzker, Riccardo Massei, Jens Wendt, Thomas Zobel, Robert Haase
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Abstract The increasing complexity and volume of biological imaging data require structured and sustainable research data management to ensure reproducibility, reusability, and compliance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. In this context, Data Stewards (DaSts) support researchers throughout the bioimaging data lifecycle by facilitating data organization, documentation, standardization, preservation, and sharing. This work presents a curriculum for becoming a Data Steward in biological imaging. It is intended for educators, learners, and institutions. Openly available training materials were systematically identified through (i) targeted searches of domain-specific repositories and community platforms, (ii) keyword-based web searches, and (iii) citation and reference tracing. Searches were conducted between December 2025 and May 2026. Materials were evaluated using a qualitative scoring framework and mapped to defined learning objectives. This systematic review showed that many relevant educational resources exist but are distributed across diverse platforms and communities. The search focused on openly available English-language resources and may therefore underrepresent region-specific or non-English materials. Additionally, qualitative scoring involves subjective judgment despite the structured evaluation framework. This curriculum complements previous work defining the role of bioimaging Data Stewards by providing a structured overview of the interdisciplinary knowledge, competencies, and training resources required across the bioimaging data lifecycle. It systematically identifies and organizes existing resources into a coherent learning pathway while highlighting gaps, particularly in interdisciplinary collaboration and bioimaging-specific data standards. As bioimaging technologies, data infrastructures, and regulations evolve, the curriculum should remain a living framework, continuously updated through community-driven resources like the NFDI4BIOIMAGE Training Material Hub. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Prisma 2020 statement where applicable, was preregistered [https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XEJNC] and financially supported by the German Research Foundation and the University of Konstanz.

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