Research data management

Research data management is all the processes and actions required to manage data throughout the research lifecycle to enable it to be preserved and accessible by a controlled audience for current and future research

Funders are increasingly requiring RDMPs to be in place before projects commence. From 2020 all successful applicants for ARC grants will now be required to prepare a data management plan before the project starts.

An RDMP outlines how research data will be managed, documented, stored, secured and accessed both throughout the project and after completion.  The RSU Research Data Management Policy recommends that an RDMP accompany every research project. Generally, the project leader is responsible for creating the plan and updating it to reflect any significant changes in the focus of the research

ReDBox (coming 2020) is a data management software creates a Research Data Management Plan (RDMP) for you. This Data Management Plan follows the RSU Data Management Policy and can be used as part of your Human Ethics Application.

Use your RSU login details to access ReDBox and create your RDMP.

Most researchers keep hand written laboratory notebooks, journals and other materials which are not kept on a computer at all. As there is only one copy of the data, non-digital data is at risk of loss. It is worth considering if any of the non-digital data is able to be digitised, (e.g. scanning note books on to a PC). If the data is not able to be digitised, this data still needs to be protected and stored in a safe place.

Other examples of non-digital data may include soil samples, art work, children’s writing.

The basic principles of data management apply to non-digital as to digital data

It is recommended that non digital data also have a Research Data Management Plan created. A RDMP for non-digital data can be created on ReDBox. A RDMP for non-digital data helps with the planning, storing, archiving and retention of the data that is been collected.

ReDBox integrates with RIS Grants to bring in grant and researcher information where appropriate, the Records Management System (EDRMS) to assign a classification to the data and a PDF output of the Ethics questions can be used for your Human Ethics Application.

A RDMP can be downloaded as a PDF version. To download a PDF of your RDMP click on ‘View and Edit’ under the RDMP section in ReDBOx.

ReDBox will allow you to store your data for projects that have been completed.

The Completed Project form is a modified version of the Research Data Management Plan (RDMP). This form is to be used for any projects that have been completed and require storage for the data.

The Completed Project form like the full version of the RDMP will integrate with the RIS Grants System to bring across project information where possible and will also integrate with the Records Management System, EDRMS, to determine classifications codes and retention periods.

Once the form is completed and submitted, a RSU staff member will be in contact with you to discuss a suitable storage option to meet the needs of your data.

Below is a list of available RSU resources that can provide you with additional help and support with your research data and its management.

Workshops: The Research Services Office offers workshops for all researchers including HDR and honours students. 

Moodle: Access Moodle for Research Data training material and videos.

RSU intranet (staff only): The RSU Intranet page will provide you with RSU specific information on research data management.

IMTS knowledge base: IMTS Knowledge Base will provide you will information on the storage options available and how you can access them. 

IMTS Service desk (Ext 3000): The IMTS service desk will provide with you support and advice on the storage options offered at RSU.