This is the second in the series of short statements from candidates in the forthcoming CODATA Elections. Paul Laughton currently serves on the Executive Committee and is seeking re-election. He is nominated by the South African CODATA National Committee.

I am researcher and lecturer in the field of information and knowledge management. I have a post at the Department of Information and Knowledge Management at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa  as a Senior Lecturer. I have a passion for data, particularly the management of data, and conducted my PhD thesis on the management of research data. I am actively involved in the research data sphere in South Africa and Southern Africa and work along-side a number of bodies in South Africa that promote research data. I have for a long time (since 2008) been involved in the Early Career Data Professional activities, which was a wonderful introduction to the functioning of CODATA and the individuals that contribute to the great work done by CODATA. Being elected as an Ordinary Committee member between 2014 and 2016 was a great experience and gave me the opportunity to learn from the many capable individuals that serve on this committee, I would like to stand for re-election as I believe I have more to offer this community and my African regional perspective and Early Career focus brings an important dynamic to the Executive Committee. I believe the future of research data has so much potential and poses number of complex challenges that require a different kind of thinking. I hope my contribution to this committee assists in taking science closer to the next phase of inquiry.