Advancing Trustworthy Repositories: The Role of Certification and Self-Assessment within the World Data System Community

Sustaining open knowledge exchange depends on the reliability and trustworthiness of scientific data repositories. Certification frameworks provide structured benchmarks for best practices in repository management, stewardship, and preservation. However, attaining and maintaining certification can be complex, particularly for institutions facing resource or capacity constraints. The World Data System's (WDS) Certification Subcommittee has developed guidance to support both formal certification and informal self-assessment processes. This presentation will explore how certification and self-assessment contribute to balancing openness with long-term resilience by embedding FAIR and TRUST principles, robust preservation strategies, and adaptive governance into repository operations. The presenter will share lessons learned from recent WDS initiatives that lower barriers to participation, including peer-support networks and practical tools for continuous improvement. In addition, the presentation will address how certification criteria are evolving in response to emerging technologies—ensuring that repositories remain responsive to new opportunities while mitigating potential risks. By fostering a culture of quality assurance through shared standards and collaborative assessment, the WDS community strengthens the global infrastructure for open science. Attendees will gain actionable insights on integrating certification and self-assessment into their own repository practices to enhance trust, sustainability, and inclusivity.