Research Data Management

Research data management involves systematic organization, storage, and curation of data collected during scientific investigations. Effective management ensures data integrity, facilitates sharing and reuse, and supports transparency and reproducibility in research.

According to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), data should be easy to locate, accessible under clearly defined conditions, presented in standardized formats and languages, and described in sufficient detail to enable reuse. Nowadays, compliance with the FAIR principles goes beyond a recommended best practice and is increasingly becoming a requirement imposed by funding agencies.

For further information see:
Go-FAIR

It describes how data will be handled throughout the project: how it will be collected, organized, protected, shared, and preserved. It is a living document that can be updated over time and ensures good data management from the outset. Both the European Commission and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) recommend the use of the ARGOS platform to support the preparation of the Data Management Plan.

For further information see:
ARGOS
Polén FCT
OpenAIRE - how to create a DMP?

Depositing data in a suitable repository is a way to enhance scientific work, ensuring its preservation, accessibility, and reuse. Zenodo is an example of an Open Access repository that provides a secure and well-recognized platform for storing and sharing research data.

For further information see:
re3data
Zenodo

Proper research data management involves organizing, documenting, protecting, and sharing information in a structured and responsible manner throughout the entire project. This includes using open file formats to ensure future accessibility, creating clear metadata, securely storing data on reliable platforms, and depositing it in recognized repositories for long-term preservation. Poor data management can compromise the project, delay publications, and raise ethical or legal issues.

For further information see:
ISO 8601
Versioning
Storage - OneDrive
File template README

Responsible research data management requires strict adherence to ethical and legal principles, especially when dealing with sensitive personal data such as information on ethnicity or sexual orientation. To ensure compliance with the GDPR, it is essential to obtain informed consent, apply anonymization techniques (e.g., the Amnesia platform), ensure secure storage, and control access. Data ownership must also be clearly defined, the right of access guaranteed, confidentiality preserved, and accountability assumed for the appropriate use of information. These practices should be included in the Data Management Plan and must comply with institutional and legal standards, safeguarding the rights of those involved as well as scientific integrity.

For further information see:
Amnesia
European IP Helpdesk
OpenAIRE - sensitive data guide
Open Science and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
OpenAIRE - how do I know if my research data is protected?

Here you can find initiatives and official documents related to the topic of Research Data Management:
Horizon Europe 2020 mandate for Research Data
Horizon Europe mandate for Research Data Management
Policy on the availability of data and other results from scientific research funded by FCT

Amnesia Anonymization of research data.
ARGOS Development of a Data Management Plan (DMP).
Creative Commons Chooser Selection of the most appropriate Creative Commons license.
Open Science Framework Management and sharing of scientific projects, enabling data registration.
re3data Directory of research data repositories.
Zenodo Multidisciplinary research data repository.

Here you can find educational materials related to the topic of Research Data Management:
Re.data
The essentials of Research Data Management
Research Academy Elsevier - Research Data management