- Retention of research data are kept in line with professional standards, legal requirements, ethical statements and guidelines, and contractual agreements. It is advisable that a written record of these is included as part of the research data management plan.
ARC/NHMRC Data Retention
The period for which data should be retained should be determined by prevailing standards for the specific type of research and any applicable state, territory or national legislation. In general, the minimum period for retention of research data is 5 years from the date of publication. However, for any particular case, the period for which the data should be retained should be determined by the specific type of research, subject to any applicable state, territory or national legislation. For example:
Type of research or research data
Minimum storage period
Research projects completed by students
retaining research data for 12 months after the completion of the project may be sufficient
Research not involving clinical interventions
Retaining at least 5 years from the date of final publication
Research involving clinical trials
retaining research data for 15 years or more may be necessary
Areas such as gene therapy
research data must be retained permanently (e.g. data in the form of patient records)
The materials that have long term value (e.g. community, cultural or historical value)
research data should be kept permanently, preferably within a national collection.
