Data stewardship is an emerging professional field that supports researchers in managing, preserving, and sharing research data according to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and open science principles. In Hungary, this role has recently become institutionalized through coordinated educational and community-building initiatives. The first formal postgraduate data steward training program was launched at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in 2023, providing interdisciplinary education that combines technical, legal, and research data management skills. Parallel to this, the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network established its Data Steward Network in 2024, supported by infrastructure development and pilot projects. The network’s members, trained through a dedicated internal training program, support research data management across diverse disciplines. Regular community meetings, workshops, and international collaborations further strengthen professionalization efforts. Together, these developments represent a significant step toward integrating data stewardship into Hungary’s research ecosystem, creating a national framework that fosters sustainable research data management practices across institutions.