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Library Skills for Research

Introductory Guide for Graduate Certificate Research

Module Five: Managing your research data

Research data is any information or measurement collected, recorded and used during your research project. This can include:

  • hand-written notes
  • submitted questionnaires
  • spreadsheets
  • photos and videos
  • interview transcripts and recordings 

Research Data Management is an important aspect of research. It involves planning and taking steps throughout the Research Data Lifecycle to ensure your research data is created, stored and shared in compliance with policies and to maximise impact. 

This video outlines the fundamental principles of research data management. 

 

Video: Research Data Management at RWTH Aachen University

[3.16 MINS]

 

 Become familiar with your research data responsibilities via the Library's Research Data Management guide.

Prepare and maintain a research data management plan

A Data Management Plan (DMP) sets out the key steps involved in creating, storing and sharing your research data. Most research institutions and funding bodies require their researchers to prepare, maintain and follow a DMP. 

A DMP covers:

  • What will be created or collected
  • What facilities or equipment are required
  • How and where data will be stored
  • Who will have access and usage rights
  • Any funding requirements, legal obligations or cultural sensitivities that apply, and
  • Who is responsible for managing data after the project's completion

The Data Management Guide contains extensive further information about data management planning.