Research Data

‘The recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific/research community as necessary to validate research findings’ EPSRC

It can exist in a variety formats: print, digital & types: statistics; experimental data; interview records…
…Essentially the building-blocks underpinning your work, study & research.

Research Data Policy

“In accordance with the recommendations of RCUK, the University expects researchers to:

• Keep clear and accurate records of research procedures followed and results obtained
• Hold records securely in paper or electronic form
• Make relevant primary data and research evidence accessible for others (norm of 10 years)
• Manage data according to research funder’s data policy, best ethical practice and adhering to all relevant legislation
• Wherever possible, deposit data permanently within a national collection” (June 2011).
• The University considers it to be good practice to deposit all research data where possible.
• A persistent identifier (e.g., DOI), should be used to link any research outputs related to publications and projects.
• Research articles that are derived from funded research must contain a data statement indicating both the location of any supporting research data and the level of “openness” to that data.
• Some publishers now require that this information is contained in the article prior to accepting the article for publication (e.g., PLOS) – you should check the data sharing policy of any intended journal before you submit for an article for publication.
• Data Journals – focus specifically on the dataset rather than the research article; the University of Edinburgh maintains a list of data journals.

REASONS TO CREATE A DATA MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Comply with funder expectations
2. Make data understandable and accessible, now and in the future
3. Maximise data security
4. Protect Intellectual Property
5. Share and standardise good practice

DATA MANAGEMENT PLAN TEMPLATE

• Login to:  DMP Online
• Check your funder’s research data policy; some funders have specific templates
• The University of Northampton has a template created for non-funded research

13 Steps to ensure your research data is well managed