How to Practise Good Research Data Management

There are quite a few formulas, workflows, and guidance documents available to help researchers visualise and implement good data management practices. Many of these resources begin with a diagram, like the one above, that summarises the potential stages of work, actions required, and roles that should be considered in the process of working with data, from planning to preservation. These diagrams are often circular in design, indicating that the research process is rarely linear and may involve multiple loops back through the lifecycle over the course of a project. A common theme connecting all of these resources is the importance of having clear controls over how research data are received, documented, amended or annotated, and even physically transferred, emailed, or otherwise copied across storage locations. Beginning with a Data Management Plan is a great way to ensure that best practices are applied throughout the research lifecycle.

Data Management Planning

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a document that can help you to articulate the role that data will play in your research inquiry. It should outline how you will control the data you collect and/or create over the course of the project, as well as the roles and responsibilities of any collaborators or partners. It is a living document that you can return to at any time to guide decisions around what data ultimately needs to be shared and how you will do that. DMPs further help demonstrate transparency, openness and return on public investment by describing how the data can be made discoverable, accessible, and reusable.

Still not sure whether creating a DMP is right for you? The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) answers the question Why do I need a data management plan?

Tools for writing DMPs:

• DMPonline is a UK-based online tool for writing DMPs. Create an account to gain access to a DMP template or browse examples of DMPs submitted by other researchers.
• The DMPTool is the original free, open source application for creating DMPs. The Funder Requirements registry provides templates tailored to the particular information requested by certain funding bodies.
• LIBER maintains a Data Management Plan Catalogue “to inspire researchers and others in the process of writing a Data Management Plan.”

DMP tips and advice:

• Irish Research Council’s Tips on Data Management Plans
• Science Foundation Ireland’s Guidance on Data Management Plans