New Research Data Management Policy
In January 2022 the University’s new Research Data Management Policy comes into effect. The policy has been updated from the landmark 2011 policy.
Research Data Management Policy, University of Edinburgh
Research data management (RDM) refers to the organisation, storage and preservation of data created during a research project. Research data can be defined as digital or analogue information that is collected, observed, created or reused to produce, validate and enrich research findings and conclusions.
The University’s commitment to research data management is directly related to research excellence and is grounded in its commitment to research integrity, data protection, and information security. The University endorses the FAIR data sharing principles for maximising data reuse: making data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. The simplest way to do this is to prepare and document your data, then deposit in an appropriate repository, hosted by the University or another trusted organisation.
What does the new policy mean for me as a researcher? (Highlights)
- You must create a data management plan (DMP) whenever you create a new research proposal (if the work will involve any research data).
- You must include full costs for research data management in grant proposals. For example storing large or sensitive types of data in the DataVault, or if you will need additional DataStore storage over and above your default allocation during the active research phase.
- You should seek to link your datasets and research outputs such as published papers using persistent identifiers such as DOIs and an ORCID.
- If you don’t already have an ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) please get one at ORCID.
- When writing a manuscript, include a data citation with your data DOI – you can use Edinburgh DataShare’s embargo feature to get a DOI whilst keeping your files under temporary embargo.
- Consider carefully who has rights to access the data, and use a written agreement when necessary. You should not give exclusive rights to data to others, such as publishers.
Whether you are a member of staff or a student, the Research Data Service exists to support you in managing your research data well – we provide training and services including archiving solutions to help you plan, store, share and archive your data, though your own field may have a discipline-specific data repository which might be a better option for your data. Be informed of your options.
https://www.ed.ac.uk/is/research-data-service
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the new RDM policy or our services.
Robin Rice & Pauline Ward,
Research Data Support Team, Library & University Collections
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