The Australian Research Council (ARC) encourages researchers to deposit data in publicly accessible repositories, and their application forms require you to outline your data management plan. This reflects an increased focus in Australian and international research on open access to data generated through publicly funded research.

 For more information, see ARC Research Data Requirement webpage.

The ARC - guide to filling in the data management section states that:

'The data management requirement in the ARC applications offers an opportunity for researchers to provide information to show how data management will enhance the research outcomes of their work and thus improve the competitiveness of their research proposal. This will not only contribute to how favourably the Research Environment criterion is considered, but also the Feasibility and Benefit criteria. Although the ARC is not mandating 'open data', it is sending a clear signal that it is committed to maximizing the benefits of research it funds by fostering a culture of increased access and sharing of research data, backed by sound data management.'

This guide will help you answer:

1. Where will your research data be stored at completion of the project?

2. What access will you provide to the data set on completion of the project?

3. How will you enable others to reuse your research data?