Research Data Management

Research data management - an introduction

Data is the foundation of our knowledge society. It is the raw material that we use to make decisions, solve problems, and create new products and services. Data can be quantitative or qualitative, and it can come from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, observations, and simulations.

Research data is any data that is collected, observed, generated, or created during the research process. It is essential for supporting research findings and conclusions, and it can be reused by other researchers to build on existing knowledge.

Research Data Management (RDM) is a process that helps manage the flow of data throughout creation and initial storage to when it becomes obsolete and is deleted.  Research data have a longer lifespan than the project or the scientific publications they underpin:

They constitute the evidence needed to verify and validate published claims.

They can be reused for follow-up or new research, for teaching, etc.

In other words, research data is the fuel that drives research, and RDM is the engine that keeps it running.

• RDM helps to ensure the quality, integrity, and reliability of research data. By following RDM best practices, researchers can minimize the risk of data loss, corruption, and fraud.
• RDM makes research data more accessible and reusable. When research data is well-managed and documented, it is easier for other researchers to find, understand, and use it. This can help to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
• RDM supports compliance with funding agency requirements and other ethical and legal obligations. Many funding agencies now require researchers to develop and implement DMPs. RDM can also help researchers to comply with other requirements, such as data sharing policies and privacy regulations.
• RDM supports the long-term preservation of research data. By storing research data in a secure and reliable location, RDM can help to ensure that it is available for future research and generations to come.

This guide was designed as a reference to you, providing information for all RDM stages.  Whether you are an experienced faculty member, a graduate student or an early career researcher, you can navigate the units and benefit from tips, best practices, protocols, guidelines, tools and procedures.  Don't forget that RDM ensures that your research data are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).  The data should also be traceable and available whenever possible.

Research Data Scarytales

How scared are you while embarking in a research project that consequently involves RDM and what could be the reasons behind this fear?

Research Data Scarytales , takes you on an eerie journey and show you in short stories what scary consequences mistakes in data management can have. You are presented with a wide range of scenarios, ranging from minor inconveniences to a single person to permanent consequences for humankind, all based on real events.  Each reader has the opportunity to find out for themselves what went wrong in each story. Each scenario begins with a brief summary of the facts. Then it's time to figure it out!

Don't be scared! Be proactive and act smart! 

Collaboration tools & platforms

There are many platforms and tools that enhance teamwork, managing efficiently team projects and your individual tasks.  In case of a collaborative research project, a team of researchers can use a project management tool to track their progress, manage their deadlines, and share files. This can help to ensure that the project stays on track and that everyone is working towards the same goals.  On the other hand, a graduate student writing a research paper can use a cloud storage and collaboration tool to store their notes, references, and drafts.  This can make it easy to access their work from anywhere and to collaborate with others.

Overall, online tools and platforms can be a valuable asset for completing complex tasks more efficiently.  By choosing the right tools for the job and using them effectively, researchers, businesses, and individuals can save time and produce better results.

Project management tools can help to organize and track complex projects with multiple tasks, deadlines, and stakeholders. These tools can also facilitate collaboration between team members, allowing them to share files, communicate, and assign tasks in real time.

• Asana helps you manage projects, focus on what's important, and organize work in one place for seamless collaboration.  It is free for up to 15 persons.
• Trello is a visual tool that empowers a team to manage any type of project, workflow, or task tracking.  There is a free version which offers all basic features and tools.
• Monday.com is a collaboration tool that helps you communicate, set objectives and assign tasks.
• Labguru integrates an electronic lab notebook, LIMS, inventory management, automation, and informatics from different sources into one easy-to-use platform.

Communication tools can help to improve communication and collaboration between team members, both remotely and in person.  These tools can be used to send instant messages, make video calls, and share files.

• Microsoft Teams is a proprietary business communication platform, offering workspace chat and videoconferencing, file storage, and application integration.   ACG members can benefit from an institutional subscription.
• Slack is a cloud-based collaboration tool that gathers all of your team communication in one place.  You can use the free version of Slack with some limitations.

Training opportunities, tools & and resources

There are several tutorials, guides, manuals and courses about RDM you can benefit from.  Here are a few choices to get you started:

UK Data Service - RDM training resources:   guidance and training on all aspects of data management and sharing ­­‑ through web-based, workshops and printed advice.

FOSTER RDM open training materials : This list contains resources, papers and presentations and other training materials on RDM.

Managing and Sharing Research Data : Introductory free course intended for PHD students, research administration, researchers and students.

FOSTER Research Data Mantra : MANTRA is a free online course for those who manage digital data as part of their research project.