DCC: Managing Research Data.mov

Summary

Effective research data management is crucial to avoid risks like data loss and to ensure research integrity. Proper data management enables easier access, verification, and collaboration, fostering progress across fields. Institutions play a key role in supporting researchers with infrastructure and services, while funding bodies require clear data management strategies. The Digital Curation Centre (DCC) provides tools and guidance to help researchers and institutions manage data effectively. Despite challenges like concerns over data sharing and credit, the growing global emphasis on data management is making it an essential part of research practice for future success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Data loss in research, especially with observational data like weather, is irreversible and can have both individual and societal consequences.
• 😀 There are reputational risks for institutions if research data is not available for verification, leading to potential loss of trust and funding.
• 😀 Proper research data management is crucial for ensuring results are verifiable, reproducible, and shareable with the right people at the right time.
• 😀 The sheer volume of research data, especially in medical sciences, underscores the importance of managing data effectively to accelerate scientific progress.
• 😀 Data management should be seen as an integral part of good research practice, not just a new requirement imposed by funding bodies.
• 😀 Making research data accessible and reusable can lead to more citations and a broader impact, benefiting researchers and the scientific community.
• 😀 There is a cultural shift needed to encourage researchers to share their data more openly, despite fears of losing credit or being scooped by others.
• 😀 Institutions and researchers should start managing data early in the research process to ensure long-term access and usability.
• 😀 The Digital Curation Centre (DCC) provides valuable tools and expertise for researchers and institutions to improve data management practices.
• 😀 Collaborative efforts between international research services and institutions are vital for avoiding duplication of efforts and improving global research practices.

Q & A

What are the risks of not managing research data effectively?

The main risks include data loss, which is irreversible, reputational damage to institutions, and the potential need to repeat complex experiments due to poor documentation. The absence of proper data management also hinders the ability to verify research results and make them accessible for future research.

Why is research data management critical for scientific progress?

Effective research data management is crucial because it enables data to be shared and reused by other researchers, accelerating scientific progress. When data is well-organized and accessible, it contributes to the advancement of knowledge, rather than being lost or inaccessible.

What role do institutions play in research data management?

Institutions have a responsibility to provide the infrastructure and support necessary for effective data management. They must ensure that researchers have the tools and resources to manage their data properly, as failure to do so could damage the institution's reputation and funding prospects.

What is the relationship between open data sharing and researcher concerns?

While open data sharing can lead to greater visibility, citations, and collaboration, researchers often fear that others might benefit from their work without proper credit. Balancing these concerns with the benefits of making data open is a key challenge in data management.

How does the Digital Curation Centre (DCC) support researchers?

The DCC provides tools, guidance, and expertise to help researchers manage their data throughout the research process. This includes resources like DMP Online for planning data management and tools such as the Data Asset Framework (DAF) and DRAMBORA for identifying and assessing risks related to research data.

What are the key tools offered by the Digital Curation Centre (DCC)?

The DCC offers several key tools: DMP Online, which helps researchers plan data management at the start of their projects; the Data Asset Framework (DAF), which helps identify and assess data holdings; DRAMBORA, a risk assessment tool for digital repositories; and Cardio, which helps assess communication and coordination in data management between stakeholders.

What is the significance of the DCC’s Data Management Roadshows?

The DCC’s Data Management Roadshows raise awareness about the importance of good data management practices. They also provide hands-on workshops and tailored support to institutions, helping them develop specific strategies for managing research data.

Why is there a growing focus on data management training for researchers?

There is increasing recognition that data management is an essential part of good research practice. With funders requiring data management plans and the increasing volume of research data, training helps researchers understand how to manage their data effectively, ensuring it is reusable and accessible for future research.

How can open access platforms like Figshare benefit researchers?

Platforms like Figshare allow researchers to share their data under Creative Commons licenses, which ensures proper attribution. By making their data available, researchers can increase visibility, gain more citations, and receive recognition through alt-metrics, all of which can boost their academic impact.

What are the challenges in promoting open data sharing among researchers?

The main challenge is the fear that open data sharing could allow others to benefit from a researcher’s hard work without proper credit. Additionally, there is concern that others may publish findings prematurely or misinterpret the data. Overcoming these concerns requires clear guidance on how to share data responsibly and securely.