Skip to Main Content
Skip navigation

 

Research data management

What is Research Data Management?

Research Data Management (RDM) is a broad term which covers the collection, organisation, preservation and sharing of research data.

Good data management practices are vital to maintaining the quality and integrity of research results, and to ensure that any legal, ethical, funding and governing requirements are met.

 

   This Libguide by The Australian National University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license

Why Do You Need to Manage Your Research Data?

The carrot:

  • Improvements to efficiency - managing data at the last minute can be time-consuming and error-prone.
  • Greater protection - losing data can be disastrous.
  • Higher quality - carefully managed data is more likely to produce quality research.
  • Increased exposure - research data is a scholarly output, and good management of this data can maximise the impact of research and extend its relevance.

The stick:

  • The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research - basic research data management is required by the Code, and compliance is a requirement for ARC and NHMRC funding and is likely to be mandated by other funding bodies, government and institutions in the future.
  • Loss of data or breach of privacy - inadequate research data management can lead to loss of data or violation of people's privacy.
  • Requirement for publication - many publishers require research data to be available as part of the publication process.

A Research Data Management Horror Story

This video series shows what should not happen when a researcher makes a data sharing request.

By NYU Health Sciences Libraries

Data Sharing Video, Part 1 of 3 - Request

Data Sharing Video, Part 2 of 3 - File Formats

Data Sharing Video, Part 3 of 3 - Documentation

Research Data Australia (RDA) database

The Australian National University (ANU) is a place of intensive research, and this is reflected in the growing number, variety and quality of ANU dataset descriptions in the Research Data Australia (RDA) database. You can view ANU Records in the RDA.

ANU Research Data Management Manual

Read the ANU Research Data Management Manual for more detailed information about managing research data at ANU.

Responsible Officer: University Librarian/Page Contact: Library Systems & Web Coordinator