Research data management (RDM) is an essential part of any research project. It involves the organization, storage, preservation, and sharing of data collected and used in a research project. It is important to ensure that data is accessible and shareable, as well as safe and secure. Data management also helps to make research results more visible and facilitates data exchange.
When it comes to making decisions about managing your research data, you should refer to the definitions used by your funder and the University of Pittsburgh. The staff members of the ETH digital preservation office can provide you with a generic template to develop your data management plan in accordance with the requirements of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Colleagues who have previously developed data plans can also help (see “Twelve Tips for Writing a Data Management Plan”). MANTRA is a free online course for those who manage digital data as part of their research project.
It covers the creation, exchange and preservation of research data of any type, including texts, spreadsheets, images, recordings, models, algorithms and software. When choosing a file name, check for database administration limitations on the length of the file name and the use of special characters. Data management is an example of how public research sponsors and research institutions are implementing “open science”, the drive to make scientific research and data freely accessible. Adhering to data management rules isn't just another box to check - it is essential for ensuring that your research is safe and secure, as well as accessible and shareable.
