Create & Receive

RDM Consultation: Research Data Design

It is strongly recommended to start with the handling of data to be collected in a planned manner from the outset of a research project. This helps to avoid unpleasant surprises in the further course of the research. The following questions can be helpful:

• What type of data is generated?
• What are the expected storage requirements?
• Who should have access to the data during the project, as well as afterwards?
• Which publications are planned on the basis of the data?
• Can the data be reused by other individuals or institutions?
• Is there a reason, such as patenting, commissioned research, or spin-off, why data publication should be refrained from?
• Is an informed consent for data collection meaningful or necessary?
• Does it make sense to pre-register, i.e. to publish the research plan before the study is conducted?

These are the aspects that should be documented in writing, preferably in a Data Management Plan, and coordinated within the research group.

Furthermore, the good research practice principles apply from the conception phase onward.