Doing more with your data

UCL Library Services is working towards a number of goals to improve our Systems & Processes, as part of our Library Strategy (2015-18). One of these goals is to improve our research support by extending support for research data management.

A new website dedicated to Research Data Management is now accessible. It has been created to help UCL researchers and research students plan ahead for data management and comply with research funders’ expectations on data management and sharing.

It gathers essential information on funders and UCL‘s policies, Data Management Plans and support available at UCL for all disciplines and types of data. There are how-to guides dealing with topics such as data storage, long-term preservation, Intellectual Property Right, sensitive & personal data, ethics, formats and DOIs. You will also find a list of training resources (slides, checklists, activity sheets…) to learn more about data management and share information with colleagues and students. Key definitions and FAQs have been gathered in a Research Data Management blog.

What are Research Data?

Research data are the original sources or material that you have created or collated to conduct your research project. The response to your research question is based on the analysis of these research data.

“Data include but are not limited to: laboratory notebooks; field notebooks; primary research data (including research data in hardcopy or in computer readable form); questionnaires; audiotapes; videotapes; models; photographs; films; test responses.”

Check the whole UCL definition of research data on our website.

Why should I care about Research Data Management?

Good practices in managing your data help you to

• comply with legal, ethical, institutional and funders’ requirements,
• anticipate problems, minimize risks & save time,
• ensure the long-term preservation of your data and their visibility (if appropriate).

Both the website and the blog are intended to grow over the next months and years. Don’t hesitate to send me your suggestions and feedback. Email lib-researchsupport@ucl.ac.uk.

I am in charge of coordinating a range of activities and guidance designed to help UCL researchers and research students manage their research data. As part of my activities I give presentations in departments and review Data Management Plans (if you send them at least 1 to 2 weeks before your submission deadline). Don’t hesitate to contact me!

Myriam Fellous-Sigrist, Research Data Support Officer