Our approach

Every course in our program is built around open-source tools and open training materials. This means participants pay nothing for software, and the materials can be reused and adapted by anyone in the network. We prioritize courses that bridge existing skills to new capabilities, rather than starting from scratch. Our training is grounded in FAIR data principles and reproducible research practices.

Open and free All tools and materials are open-source, eliminating software cost barriers across islands
Build on what you know Courses connect to skills participants already have, making transitions practical
Train the trainer Materials are documented so trained participants can deliver courses locally
Delivered across the region Courses rotate between islands, with each delivery adapted to local needs

Courses

More courses coming soon.

The training program expands as the network grows. Future topics may include research data management, open science practices, reproducibility, and data visualization. Interested in suggesting or co-developing a course? Get in touch.

Why this matters

Proprietary software creates barriers. An SPSS license can cost AWG 400 or more per year, and that cost falls on institutions already operating under tight budgets. When each island pays separately for the same tools, collaboration becomes harder. Our training program focuses on open-source alternatives that any researcher, student, or government analyst can access at no cost, from any island. That is practical digital competence: skills and tools that work for everyone, everywhere in the region.

External training

Beyond the courses we run ourselves, we point the network to training offered by trusted partners.

The currently available trainings organized by the Digital Curation Centre (DCC) are most relevant for data stewards and for PhD researchers who want to move in that direction. All times shown are Atlantic Standard Time (AST).

CaSDaR / DCC Online & free

Principles of Research data management (RDM), including licensing

6 July 2026, 07.30–10.30 AST

Register
CaSDaR / DCC Online & free

Research data ethics and data protection, including sensitive data

13 July 2026, 07.30–10.30 AST

Register
CaSDaR / DCC Online & free

FAIR data

20 July 2026, 07.30–10.30 AST

Register
CaSDaR / DCC Online & free

Data selection and preservation

3 August 2026, 07.30–10.30 AST

Register
CaSDaR / DCC Online & free

Repeat of the most popular workshop

10 August 2026, 07.30–10.30 AST

Opens soon

These sessions are organised by CaSDaR and the DCC, not by the DCDC Network. Registration is handled on Eventbrite.