Context

Data management research shapes how knowledge is captured, organized, and made accessible. Yet despite its growing impact, participation in this field remains unevenly distributed across institutions and regions.

Researchers at well-established universities, scientific consortia, and industry labs often benefit from robust internal support structures, including access to advanced computing infrastructure, mentorship opportunities, stable funding, and mobility programs. In contrast, those based at under-resourced institutions may face significant challenges tied to their local research environments, and economic or political conditions. 

The consequences of excluding researchers from the global data management ecosystem, whether due to limited institutional support, financial or political instability, may extend far beyond individual careers and undermine the long-term impact of the field.

This panel brings together voices from diverse contexts to examine the systemic and structural barriers that limit the engagement of researchers around the world and identify actionable strategies for change. We will explore how academic societies, research organizations, and senior scholars can contribute to expand participation and foster a more inclusive culture in which data management research can thrive.