The NMDC Ambassador Program
Training and supporting early career researchers who are motivated to engage with their respective research communities to lower barriers to adoption of metadata standards.
Introducing the inaugural NMDC Ambassador cohortThe 2021-2022 NMDC Ambassador cohort will be engaging with their respective research communities to lower barriers to adoption of metadata standards. |
The NMDC Ambassador Program
The NMDC launched the NMDC Ambassador program to provide training and support for early career researchers who are motivated to engage with their respective research communities to lower barriers to adoption of metadata standards.
During the course of the 1-year commitment, each Ambassador is expected, at minimum, to:
| Ambassador activity | Details |
| Contribute to metadata training materials | Update the NMDC template training materials to reflect one sample environment relevant to their community |
| Engage with their research community | With support from the NMDC, host one 4-hour workshop to gather feedback to improve sample metadata standards training |
| Spread the NMDC mission | Partner with the NMDC to present at one conference session, webinar, panel, or other event of their choice |
| Share their perspectives | Share updates on two NMDC-relevant activities on a NMDC online platform (social media, website, newsletter) |
| Learn about metadata standards | Attend all NMDC training sessions (see more details under Program Timeline below) |
The estimated time commitment for each Ambassador is, on average, 2-3 hours per month (includes trainings, cohort events, and preparing for and hosting two Ambassador events). Ambassadors should budget time for planning and preparation (specifically, for the metadata standards workshop) during months with fewer activities. The total time commitment for each Ambassador will vary based on factors, such as the target number of attendees or format of the events (virtual or in-person), which is at the discretion of the Ambassador.
Benefits of being a NMDC Ambassador
Cohort-based training
Data management and sample metadata standards training, hosted by the NMDC
Facilitation and community engagement training, hosted by the Center for Scientific Collaboration and Community Engagement (CSCCE)
Opportunities
Expanded professional network in a cohort-based learning environment
Year-round professional development (in partnership with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Young Ambassadors Program)
Recognition
Co-authorship on NMDC metadata training resources
Officially represent the NMDC during speaking engagements
Highlights of relevant work shared throughout NMDC online platforms
Support
Funding support for NMDC events
Administrative and logistical support for NMDC events
Promotion of activities via NMDC online platforms
Program Timeline
| Date | Event | Details | Length |
| Week of June 28, 2021 | Kick-off event | Learn about the NMDC program, review the program expectations, and address questions. | 1.5 hour session |
| Week of July 12, 2021 | Training: Data management and the NMDC metadata standards | Learn about the metadata standards used by the NMDC. | 2-hour session |
| Week of July 19, 2021 | Training: The NMDC metadata standards framework | Walk through the NMDC-provided training materials that Ambassadors will use for the metadata standards workshop. Over the next few months, Ambassadors will tailor the training materials for their community. | 2-hour session |
| August 2021 | Training: Event facilitation hosted by CSCCE | Learn tips, tricks, and tools for how to effectively facilitate events. Topics: group decision making, facilitating discussions, how to make virtual meetings more engaging. | 3 x 90-min sessions |
| Sept 2021 | Cohort meeting: Presentation of Fall ideas | Ambassadors will each share 5-minute presentations of their Fall 2021 event plans. | 1-hour session |
| Fall 2021 | Host an event, with support from the NMDC (choose one) | Sample metadata standards workshop: After updating the NMDC training template for their community, each Ambassador will host a workshop with support from the NMDC. The goal of the workshop is to spread awareness of metadata standards and gather feedback on the process of applying standards to real data. | 4-hour session |
| FAIR microbiome data: Each Ambassador has flexibility to lead an event of their choice, in partnership with the NMDC. Examples include: partner with the NMDC at a conference session, host a webinar on FAIR microbiome data with the NMDC, repeat the metadata standards workshop, etc. | Varies | ||
| Dec 2021 | Cohort meeting: Reflections on events | Ambassadors will be invited to share takeaways from their Fall event with the cohort. | 1-hour session |
| Jan 2022 | Training: Community engagement hosted by CSCCE (cohort) | Feedback from Ambassadors will inform the topic for this training | 90-minute session |
| Cohort meeting: Presentation of Spring ideas | Ambassadors will each share 5-minute presentations of their Spring 2022 event plans. | 1-hour session | |
| Spring 2021 | Host an event, with support from the NMDC (choose one) | Sample metadata standards workshop: After updating the NMDC training template for their community, each Ambassador will host a workshop with support from the NMDC. The goal of the workshop is to spread awareness of metadata standards and gather feedback on the process of applying standards to real data. | 4-hour session |
| FAIR microbiome data: Each Ambassador has flexibility to lead an event of their choice, in partnership with the NMDC. Examples include: partner with the NMDC at a conference session, host a webinar on FAIR microbiome data with the NMDC, repeat the metadata standards workshop, etc. | Varies | ||
| May 2022 | Cohort meeting: Reflections on events | Ambassadors will be invited to share takeaways from their Spring event with the cohort. | 1-hour session |
| June 2022 | End of term | ||
