Research Data Management is the process of providing the appropriate labeling, storage, and access for data at all stages of a research project
Why Manage Data?
Research today not only has to be rigorous, innovative, and insightful - it also has to be organized! As improved technology creates more capacity to create and store data, it increases the challenge of making data FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship).
To address these challenges, funding agencies require a data management or data sharing plan to be submitted with grant applications. Additionally, many academic journals require the submission of relevant data with manuscripts to promote open access and reproducibility of research.
Early and attentive management at each step of the data lifecycle will ensure the discoverability and longevity of your research.
Key Points for Data Management:
- Easier to analyze organized, documented data
- Find data more easily
- Don’t drown in irrelevant data
- Don’t lose data
- Get credit for your data
- Avoid accusations of misconduct
A Data Management Cautionary Tale
