Research Data Management (RDM) refers to the processes applied throughout the life cycle of a research project to guide the collection, documentation, storage, sharing, and preservation of research data.
The Portage Network. (2019). Primer: Research Data Management.
Following the upcoming Tri-Agency RDM Policy, researchers applying for Tri-Agency grants will be:
Encouraged or required to submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) in grant proposals
Required to deposit research data, metadata, and code into a digital repository
What is Research Data?
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Primary sources supporting research, scholarship, or artistic endeavours
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Can be used as evidence to validate findings
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May take the form of experimental data, observational data, operational data, third party data, public sector data, monitoring data, processed data, or repurposed data
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All other digital and non-digital content have the potential to become research data
The Portage Network. (2019). Primer: Research Data Management.
Benefits of Research Data Management
Increases visibility and impact of research
Data made visible through a data repository can dramatically increase the impact of that research
Accelerates scientific progress
Data sharing allows researchers to access, understand, and re-use others' data, which speeds up the rate of new discoveries
Avoids duplication of research
When data is made publicly available it is much less likely to be recreated, avoiding expensive and needless data production activities
Ensures compliance with funding agency policies
A growing number of funding agencies demand that researchers and host institutions retain, manage, and share their data upon completion of a project.
Enables replication and verification of results
A growing number of funding agencies demand that researchers and host institutions retain, manage, and share their data upon completion of a project.
Enhances collaboration
Publicly available data enable researchers to better collaborate with each other by sharing datasets, research environments, and tools.
Shearer, K. (2010). Research Data: Unseen Opportunities. Canadian Association of Research Libraries.
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