The FAIR guiding principles for training materials

Training materials are considered digital objects used to facilitate learning and support a wide range of educational activities. They are fundamental for knowledge transfer and play a pivotal role in advancing scientific research and capacity building in different scientific domains. Thus, there is a clear need for a structured and sustainable framework that can facilitate its reuse and dissemination, increasing its impact. FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles are considered the most robust framework for the management of digital objects, including training materials. However, applying FAIR principles to training materials can be challenging, due to the diversity of formats and types of training materials of a single course. This paper has focused on the adaptation of the FAIR principles specifically for training materials, with the objective of making their implementation more practical and relevant for trainers and trainees. Furthermore, key challenges associated with the FAIRification of training materials have been discussed. Addressing these challenges supports broader integration of FAIR principles throughout the lifecycle of training materials.