RDM @ UHasselt
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What is RDM?
Research Data Management (RDM) refers to the way research data are managed throughout a research project: where do you store your data, how do you secure them, how do you analyze them, how do you document and organize them, etc. It also includes archiving your scientifically valuable data in a sustainable way after the research project is finished, and preferably making them available to the public. The best way of managing your data is making your data FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable).
Why should RDM be important to you?
Research efficiency
Research efficiency
Apply a clear structure to your folders, use logical file names, use version control and provide elaborate documentation for your project. Store your data in a secure location and create back-ups regularly. These are important data management practices that will help you to stay on top of your research and prevent risk of data loss. At Hasselt University, you can use the institutional Google shared drive to organize and store your data.
Scientific integrity
Scientific integrity
Besides an efficient organization and documentation of your project, thorough data management means that you implement data quality assurance processes. Share this information alongside your data so that your research findings can be validated and reproduced, leading to more transparent research. At the same time, be aware of sensitive data that should be shared with restrictions, or cannot be shared at all. Reflecting on possible ethical and legal issues, and handling them in an appropriate manner (e.g. data security), is also an essential aspect of data management.
Visibility and impact
Visibility and impact
Your research becomes more visible when you upload your (meta)data in a (meta)data repository, which can lead to more citations and opportunities for collaboration. At Hasselt university, it is recommended to deposit your metadata in the UHasselt metadata repository. These records will appear on your researcher profile together with your publications.
Institutional and funder requirements
Institutional and funder requirements
Open Science has become a priority for the Flemish research institutes and funders. As a researcher, you should be aware of existing rules and guidelines:
- UHasselt RDM policy
- Funder requirements on RDM
- For Open Access, see the UH Open Access website
UHasselt RDM policy
The Hasselt University RDM Policy Plan (pdf, 184 KB) sets a framework for all researchers to safeguard the quality, availability, and accessibility of their research data and it provides a basis for evaluating compliance with laws and regulations (e.g. GDPR) and codes of conduct. The Hasselt University RDM Policy Plan defines the responsibilities of all researchers affiliated with Hasselt University through five basic principles:
- All researchers must store, manage and provide access to their research data as stipulated in the RDM Policy Plan and adhere to its guidelines;
- Personal and sensitive data can only be collected and used when essential for specific research;
- All research projects require a data management plan (DMP);
- Researchers adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Identity and Access Management (IAM).
- The RDM Policy Plan complements existing legislation, regulations, research ethics, and integrity guidelines.
Hasselt University has the responsibility to support its researchers, ranging from providing tools and secure data storage infrastructure to providing support and training on data management planning and expert advice on personal data processing. The researchers themselves are responsible for ensuring that their data management is in line with the RDM policy.
Funder requirements for data management and open data
Based on KU Leuven RDM website
| In general, research funders require and/or recommend:
|
|---|
Overview of funder research data requirements from proposal to end of project
Funder | Proposal | Initial DMP (month 6) | Final DMP (end of project) | Data preservation | Data publishing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FWO | 5 RDM questions in application form | Submit to rdm@uhasselt.be | Submit to FWO | 5 years | Advice: data linked to publications |
BOF/IOF | 5 RDM questions in application form | Submit to rdm@uhasselt.be | Submit to rdm@uhasselt.be | 5 years | Advice: data linked to publications |
VLAIO-cSBO | 5 RDM questions | Submit to rdm@uhasselt.be | Submit to rdm@uhasselt.be | 5 years | |
BELSPO | 5 RDM questions (provisional DMP) in grant application | Submit to BELSPO | Submit to BELSPO | Long-term in repository | All data and metadata in certified and trusted repository, as open as possible |
Horizon Europe | RDM for FAIR data and Open Science practices | Submit to EC portal | Submit to EC portal | Long-term in repository | All data and metadata in certified and trusted repository, as open as possible |
For FWO and BOF-IOF: UHasselt guide for the FWO/BOF application DMP