Research data are the evidence that underpins the answer to the research question, and can be used to validate findings regardless of its form (e.g. print, digital, or physical). These might be quantitative information or qualitative statements collected by researchers in the course of their work by experimentation, observation, modelling, interview or other methods, or information derived from existing evidence. Data may be raw or primary (e.g. direct from measurement or collection) or derived from primary data for subsequent analysis or interpretation (e.g. cleaned up or as an extract from a larger data set), or derived from existing sources where the rights may be held by others. Data may be defined as ‘relational’ or ‘functional’ components of research, thus signalling that their identification and value lies in whether and how researchers use them as evidence for claims.
(UKRI Concordat on Open Research Data)
Research data management (RDM) is about creating, finding, organising, storing, sharing and preserving data within any research process.
Research data management refers to the activity of working with research data throughout the research process, from data collection, to data storage and backup, through to data sharing at the end of a research project.
(University of Edinburgh MANTRA Training)
Commonly referred to as a DMP, a Data Management Plan is a document that describes how data is to be handled during a research project and the plans for the data post project. This includes the treatment, analyse and storeage of research data.
A DMP should provide clear guidance and rules surrounding how research data is managed.
A DMP should be updated regularly to reflect how the research is evolving throughout the research project.
DMPs are an essential part of research integrity as they facilitate the capture of vital metadata and documentation which ensures the transparency of the research process and the reproducibility of data.
DMPs help facilitate the sharing of data post project as planning for sharing data post project is part of writing a Data Management Plan.
(Science Europe Practical Guide to the International Alignment of Research Data)
This video introduces Research Data Management and outlines how to write a Data Management Plan (DMP). Resources for writing a DMP, including templates and tools as well as further training and reading is also discussed.
Access the slides below:
Helps researchers make informed decisions about data before they start their research or creating data as DMPs should be completed before the research project has begun.
Often a requirement by funders / employers / institutions. Most publicly funded research requires a DMP.
Helps ensure compliance with legal, statutory ethical, contractual and intellectual property obligations.
Allows for more seamless collaboration among researchers on a research project as everyone knows the rules around accessing and managing the data they are creating throughout the research project as all roles and responsibilities in data management are defined among the project team.
Provides basic quality assurance within a project and makes the research process more efficient. Implementing a DMP means the data will be easier to find and easier to analyse because data has already been organised and documented.
Decreases the risk of losing data as DMPs help facilitate data security and minimise the risk of data loss. Having a DMP helps identify risks in data handling allowing solutions to be applied at an early stage.
Contribute to the reproducibility of research findings and help ensure research integrity and validation of results.
Help facilitate the re-use of data by other researchers which in turn ensures wider dissemination and increased impact of research.
Helps facilitate data sharing and preservation.
Helps to plan and budget necessary resources and equipment.
The first thing you need to include in your data management plan is administration information.
This will vary by project and can include information such as;
The Library, Technological University of the Shannon: Midwest