The University of Basel’s Data Stewardship Programme provided train-the-trainer courses for its prospective data stewards, covering research data management. Matthias Templ facilitated an instructional session focused on “Introduction to data anonymization of quantitative data.”
The workshop covered foundational concepts including anonymization techniques, data synthesis approaches, disclosure risk assessment, and data utility evaluation. A key distinction emphasized was that the course addressed anonymization specifically, differentiating it from pseudo-anonymization using encryption, which does not adequately address data protection concerns.
The curriculum addressed anonymization methods, disclosure risk measurement, data utility optimization, attack scenarios, data sensitivity, and the case-dependent nature of methodology selection. Participants learned when professional anonymization support becomes necessary and discovered available disclosure control techniques.
The scope encompassed introductory concepts for quantitative data, alternative synthesis-based approaches, and brief coverage of qualitative text data anonymization challenges. The target audience was data stewards and research data management support professionals.