2026 Mentors Goals & Visioning #57
Description
Three shared goals for 2026 were proposed for discussion in the 2026 NMFS Openscapes Mentors Call, Feb 17:
- Build pathways, not just tools: “Data Science Governance Team” (R&D team) with visibility, respect, and clout at policy-level for software (ex: Workstations, installing RStudio).
- Broaden the mentor community: Engagement “across the chasm”; new population of “early majority”.
- Amplify successful projects and template solutions: Stories: Connecting NMFS Mentors to tangible outcomes.
Notes in _MentorCalls_NMFS-Openscapes2026 [ nmfs-mentors ].
These were based in part on key needs that emerged as NOAA Fisheries looks ahead (from Mentors Workshop July 2025):
- Build pathways, not just tools, especially for complex workflows involving cloud storage and access
- Tailor documentation and training to NOAA scientists, with their real-world collaboration and compliance needs in mind
- Broaden the mentor community to include data stewards, analysts, managers, and IT staff
- Amplify successful projects and template solutions across centers
- Acknowledge and support the “invisible work” of documentation, onboarding, and peer coaching