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Day 4
Session 1
Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR Data.

Find out more about this session

1. What is the focus of this session?

This hands-on session introduces participants to the principles of FAIR data (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) through an engaging and unconventional format. Using Lego bricks as a metaphor for research data, participants collaboratively explore concepts of data classification, metadata, and community standards in a creative, accessible way.

2. Who is this session designed for?

The session is tailored for early-career researchers, data stewards, and Open Science professionals who are looking to strengthen their understanding of FAIR principles through practice-based and collaborative learning. It is especially suitable for those new to data management or interested in innovative, pedagogical approaches to Open Science training.

3. What will participants learn or gain from the session?

Participants will gain practical insight into the challenges of organizing, describing, and sharing data in line with FAIR principles. They will experience how different perspectives influence metadata classification, why consensus and standardization matter, and how FAIR principles apply not just to datasets, but to research workflows and team dynamics. The session also introduces key OpenAIRE tools that support FAIR implementation.

4. Will the session include real-world analogies or casework?

Yes. The session is built around a playful yet meaningful analogy using the Millennium Falcon Lego set to represent a complex research project. Participants work in breakout groups using a digital whiteboard (Miro) to classify Lego pieces—mirroring the process of data modeling and metadata creation. This metaphor brings abstract concepts into focus through physical interaction and visual thinking.

5. Is this session technical or more user-oriented?

This is a fully user-oriented session. No prior technical knowledge is required. The content is designed to be intuitive, interactive, and grounded in real-world data challenges, with facilitation that supports participants of all backgrounds.

6. What is the role of the Master in Data Management and Curation?

During the session, participants are introduced to the Master’s program in Data Management and Curation, co-organized by Area Science Park and SISSA. This program offers a hybrid learning path combining in-person teaching with real-world internships and focuses on FAIR-by-design practices. It represents a professional development opportunity for those seeking deeper expertise in RDM and data stewardship.

Is there any requirement in order to join this workshop?

Yes. This is one of the closed workshops and the selected participants will receive detailed instructions as soon as the selection process will be completed. Find more by reading the participants guide in the home page of the Bootcamp.

10:00–10:10 — Welcome & Framing the Challenge

Get introduced to the session by facilitators from Area Science Park and OpenAIRE, and learn how this playful workshop turns FAIR data principles into tangible, team-based exploration.

10:10–10:50 — Lego Data Modeling in Breakout Teams

In breakout groups, use selected Lego pieces and the Miro digital whiteboard to simulate data modeling and metadata decisions. Each team will classify pieces based on criteria like function, shape, and color, mirroring real-world metadata diversity and classification dilemmas.

10:50–11:10 — Group Reflections & FAIR Lessons

Return to plenary to share your team’s classification logic. Facilitators highlight how these varied perspectives relate to FAIR implementation challenges, and how data infrastructure like Lego’s parts repository mirrors best practices in metadata standards.

11:10–11:30 — From Play to Practice: Tools & Next Steps

Get introduced to the Master’s in Data Management & Curation co-organized by Area Science Park and SISSA. Leave the session with new resources and inspiration to teach and apply FAIR-by-design strategies.

Why Join: Make FAIR Data Principles Tangible and Collaborative

Are you a researcher, data steward, or Open Science trainer looking for new ways to teach and internalize FAIR data principles? This 90-minute workshop transforms abstract concepts into playful, hands-on learning using Lego bricks as a metaphor for data classification and metadata design. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of FAIR practices through collaborative exercises, creative problem-solving, and practical examples, guided by experts from Area Science Park and OpenAIRE. Whether you're planning your next training or designing a research workflow, this session offers a fresh and inclusive take on FAIR data education.

Meet Our Trainers & Mentors

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De Luca Mariarita

Researcher at Laboratory of Data Engineering

Italy

De Luca Mariarita

Researcher at the Laboratory of Data Engineering with a PhD in Applied Mathematics, experienced in bioengineering, materials science, and simulations. Focused on Open Science, RDM, and FAIR-by-design practices in scientific research.

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Bazzocchi Federica

Researcher at Laboratory of Data Engineering

Italy

Bazzocchi Federica

Physicist turned data engineer, specializing in FAIR data management, interoperability, and scientific workflows. Experienced in particle physics, big data analysis, and AI applications in materials science, bridging research and technical implementation.

Wanna dive deeper and get certified?

Register here to join our closed and advanced-level workshops on FAIR Research Data Management & Data Stewardship.
Closed workshops are marked with a star.

Spaces are limited – priority is given to early-career data stewards with relevant experience that register first.

You will receive all necessary info's for Certificate of Completion upon selection.

Training organized in collaboration with

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Day 4
Session 1
Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR Data.

Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR Data.

Why Join: Make FAIR Data Principles Tangible and Collaborative

De Luca Mariarita

De Luca Mariarita

Bazzocchi Federica

Bazzocchi Federica

Wanna dive deeper and get certified?

Training organized in collaboration with

Join our RDM WG

Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR

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Day 4Session 1Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR Data.

Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR Data.

Why Join: Make FAIR Data Principles Tangible and Collaborative

De Luca Mariarita

De Luca Mariarita

Bazzocchi Federica

Bazzocchi Federica

Wanna dive deeper and get certified?

Join our RDM WG

Helpdesk

Links

Newsletter

Day 4
Session 1
Hands on Gamified Exercise: Where Lego Meets FAIR Data.