What's Happening?
The UC Curation Center (UC3) at the California Digital Library (CDL) has announced the departure of two key service managers, Becky Grady and Adam Buttrick, effective October 30, 2026. Both individuals joined UC3 around the same time and have now left
simultaneously. Adam Buttrick, known for his extensive experience in the Persistent Identifier (PID) world, played a significant role in launching the COMET project and scaling ROR's curation process. He is moving to Japan to take a new position with DataCite, where he will continue to collaborate closely with the CDL. Becky Grady, who brought a User Experience (UX) background to the team, made substantial contributions to the DMPTool team and the broader research data management community, including co-chairing an international working group for machine-actionable DMPs. She is taking personal time after her departure.
Why It's Important?
The departure of experienced service managers like Becky Grady and Adam Buttrick from the UC Curation Center is significant for the California Digital Library and the broader digital curation and research data management communities. Adam Buttrick's move to DataCite, a key player in the PID ecosystem, indicates a continued, albeit external, collaboration that could benefit both organizations. His expertise in PIDs is crucial for ensuring the long-term accessibility and discoverability of digital research objects. Becky Grady's contributions to the DMPTool and her leadership in developing standards for machine-actionable Data Management Plans highlight the importance of user-centric design and interoperability in research data infrastructure. Their exits could lead to a temporary void in leadership and expertise within UC3, potentially impacting ongoing projects and the development of new initiatives. However, it also presents an opportunity for new talent to step in and bring fresh perspectives to these critical areas.
What's Next?
The UC Curation Center will need to address the vacancies left by Becky Grady and Adam Buttrick to ensure the continuity of its services and projects. This will likely involve recruiting new talent or reassigning responsibilities internally. Adam Buttrick's new role at DataCite suggests a continued collaborative relationship, which could be formalized through partnerships or joint initiatives, particularly in the area of Persistent Identifiers. The international working group for machine-actionable DMPs, co-chaired by Becky Grady, will need to find new leadership to continue its important work in standardizing research data management practices. The CDL will also need to manage the transition of knowledge and responsibilities to minimize disruption to the DMPTool and other critical services. The organization's ability to adapt and maintain momentum in these areas will be crucial for its ongoing success in supporting digital scholarship.
Beyond the Headlines
The departures of key personnel from institutions like the UC Curation Center underscore the dynamic nature of the digital scholarship landscape. The movement of experts between organizations, even to international roles, highlights the global interconnectedness of research infrastructure and the shared challenges in managing and preserving digital assets. The emphasis on Persistent Identifiers and machine-actionable Data Management Plans reflects a broader trend towards more automated, standardized, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices in scientific research. This shift is not merely technical; it represents a cultural evolution in how researchers and institutions approach data, aiming to maximize its impact and longevity. The continuous need for skilled professionals in these specialized fields also points to the growing demand for education and training in digital curation and research data management.
