Women in Science: Diana Pilvar, Data Manager

From 9-15 February 2026, the University of Tartu will host a themed week to celebrate the "Women in Science" day. During this week, we aim to highlight the work and achievements of our researchers and have invited them to answer three questions. This time, data manager Diana Pilvar shares her thoughts.

Please briefly describe your daily work.

My primary focus is Research Data Management (RDM). In the current era of Big Data, strategic planning is essential for project success. My work emphasizes the importance of planning the entire data lifecycle—including privacy and FAIR standards—before data collection begins, to avoid costly mistakes and save time. Practically, I train others in RDM and compare policies from different countries to help the University of Tartu draft its own RDM policies.

What do you particularly like about your job?

I love the immediate impact I can have on a project's success. By guiding scientists through DMP writing, I help them build better research plans. In my workshops, participants often realise they have overlooked crucial details; I am glad I can help them correct those mistakes early, saving them time and effort in the long run.

Who have you looked up to, and why?

I find role models in different places depending on the skills I want to learn. I admire Mirjam Paales for her organisatorial skills and friendliness in managing her team. I also look up to science podcasters for their continuous effort to educate the community. Finally, the ELIXIR RDM community inspires me with their positivity and resilience in solving difficult problems—it is a group I am proud to be a part of.

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From 9 to 15 February, the University of Tartu will hold a theme week "Women in Science". During this week, we would like to highlight the work and achievements of our women scientists. The Day of Women in Science has been celebrated in Estonia at the initiative of the University of Tartu and the Estonian Young Academy of Sciences (EYAS) since 2021. The day aims to underline the role of women and girls in science, break stereotypes and encourage women to pursue a career in science.

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