This topic introduces participants to the foundational concepts of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). It highlights how stakeholders, researchers, and the broader community benefit from FAIR implementation, while exploring the growing incentives from journals, funding bodies, and institutions that tie FAIR compliance to scientific impact. A fundamental understanding of FAIR and its role across all stages of the research lifecycle is vital for driving successful implementation.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
FAIR is not an end-of-project checklist item—it is a lifecycle strategy that aligns research workflows with funder requirements, accelerates scientific discovery, and maximizes long-term research impact.
Learning outcomes
1
the importance of the FAIR principles for various stakeholders
Beginner
2
the requirements for FAIR data set by journals, institutions, and funding bodies
Beginner
3
the potential consequences of not applying the FAIR principles
Beginner
Intermediate
4
the required changes for FAIR research practices in a project, group or organisation
Beginner
Intermediate
Expert
Lesson agenda
13 activities · 310 min total · grouped by phase
Individual exercise
LO 1
Reading
Have participants read the FAIR Cookbook’s Introducing the FAIR Principles to get an idea of what the FAIR principles entail.
20 min
Beginner
0:20
End of phase · 20 min
Lecture
LO 1
Recognizing the FAIR principles
Present to participants what each letter in the FAIR acronym means and how they relate to each other
30 min
Beginner
Group activity
LO 1
Ways of Making Data FAIR
Divide people into pairs and let them explain to each other how they are already making their data FAIR and what is one thing they can easily do to make their data FAIR
15 min
Beginner
Individual exercise
LO 1
Seeing the Differences in the FAIR acronym
Have participants list what each letter in the FAIR acronym mean, and why these are important for their daily research practices
20 min
Beginner
Group discussion
LO 1
Presenting FAIR benefits for different roles
Present to participants examples of different stakeholders (e.g., researchers, funders, the public) and discuss how each benefits from FAIR principles
10 min
Beginner
Group discussion
LO 2
Collecting requirements from external stakeholders
Have participants provide a list of FAIR data requirements from journals and funding bodies and review them together
10 min
Beginner
Group activity
LO 2
Exploring FAIR requirements
In pairs, participants look up sample guidelines from a journal or funder and list how they impact data management practices
30 min
Beginner
Group discussion
LO 3
Exploring issues in implementing FAIR
Have participants list common issues in research that arise from non-FAIR data practices, such as data loss or inaccessibility
10 min
Beginner
Group discussion
LO 3
Exploring FAIR implementation
Ask participants to analyse case studies of projects that failed due to non-FAIR practices and discuss the repercussions
20 min
Intermediate
Group discussion
LO 4
Lecture
Introduce participants to key changes needed to adopt FAIR principles within a research team, using simple examples
10 min
Beginner
Workshop
LO 4
Pre-design a FAIR implementation plan
Organise a workshop where participants evaluate a real or hypothetical project’s current practices, then develop a detailed action plan to implement the FAIR principles
60 min
Expert
Workshop
LO 4
Discuss the FAIR effect on society
Have participants debate the broader societal impact of adopting FAIR principles, considering different stakeholder perspectives
30 min
Expert
0:45
End of phase · 245 min
Individual exercise
LO 4
The post lesson plan reflection
Have participants identify benefits and opportunities to apply FAIR principles in their own project, group and organisation
45 min
Intermediate
0:45
End of phase · 45 min
Summary of tasks and actions
1
Pre-Workshop Assignment
Participants read a foundational academic article to familiarize themselves with the FAIR principles before the session begins.
2
Hands-on Activities
This core segment combines short lectures with individual and group assignments designed to deepen participants' conceptual understanding. The lesson plan offers a menu of modular activities, allowing trainers to select and adapt exercises based on their specific audience, timeframe, and context.
3
Post-Session Plenary Discussion
The session concludes with a collaborative discussion centered on the real-world benefits, opportunities, and challenges of applying FAIR principles to active research projects.
Materials and equipment
For participants
A computer and a stable internet connection (if the training is delivered online or uses cloud-based tools).
For the trainer
A digital collaboration tool (such as Miro or an equivalent virtual whiteboard). For in-person delivery, this can easily be replaced with physical chart paper, sticky notes, and markers.
Strubel J, Lawson-Tovey S, Philipp J, Kargó M, Jetten M, Inno H, et al. Why FAIR?. Version 1.0. FAIR Lesson Plan Handbook [Internet]. 2026. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5072/zenodo.627813
Licence
CC BY 4.0
DOI
10.5072/zenodo.627813
(sandbox DOI, not citable)
Last updated
29 October 2026