For 300 years, research journals have provided a stable record of the main conclusions of scientific studies, the methods, and the contact details of the scientists from whom data and materials might be obtained upon request. As the volume and complexity of research data explode, traditional research publications are failing to pay even lip service to the task of indexing data, let alone contribute meaningfully to data stewardship and preservation. Despite widespread discussion of the importance of Open Science and a growing recognition of the need for more sophisticated data stewardship practices, such as those in the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) guidelines [1], the research community continues to do little to use available tools to index or share our vast datasets. The consequence is an escalation of data loss in an era when “data is the new gold” [2]. Although some in the scientific community see Open Science and data sharing as a “threat”, even labeling those who use others’ data as parasites [3], we believe that embracing and improving the Open Science tools already in place will facilitate better science, allowing us to harness the full potential of growing global scientific output.

Early career scientists, as relative outsiders to the scientific establishment, are often seen as dispensable, low-risk “experiments” but, working together to create interoperable systems, we have the opportunity to create change. Early career researchers have the least commitment toward professional hierarchy and are highly involved in data collection and analysis. Training young researchers to use the tools of Open Science can instigate a more reliable change in data stewardship. Here, we want to emphasize the importance of the implementation of Open Science principles across disciplines from a young researcher’s point of view, and highlight the reasons why young researchers are the key for change.

As a group of early-career researchers who convened for the 2016 LERU Doctoral Summer School on Data Stewardship, we commit to: (1) the growth of an Open Science framework within which we can explicitly receive credit for and give credit to datasets with machine-readable metadata, provenance, and reproducible workflows; (2) establish training in the principles of Open Science and the relevant software and communication tools; (3) a pledge to be the first generation that will pass on the principles and mindset of Open Science to the next generation. If these three aims become a reality, we also envisage a strengthening of the credibility and reproducibility of scientific findings, and a reduction in fraudulent scientific data.