Basics

What is Research Data Management (RDM)?

“The management of research data is an ongoing part of the entire research process. It includes the organization, documentation, storage, back-up, archiving, sharing, and publication of data. Research data management not only increases the visibility of the generated and/or processed data, but also the related research. It also helps to improve data quality and data processing, while making subsequent use of the data easier both for the original researchers and for others. Moreover, it facilitates the use of data in new contexts created when different data sets are linked. Sustainable research data management ensures the fulfillment of subject-specific requirements, as well as potential obligations related to funding agreements. It also helps meet publishers’ standards and requirements, as well as ensuring compliance with the principles of good scientific practice.”

Freie Universität Berlin – RDM Glossary (06.07.23) Research Data Management

Comprehensive research data management encompasses various topics which describe the appropriate and sustainable handling of research data. On the one hand, the primary goal is to organize, structure, and facilitate work on research project. On the other hand, it is also important to ensure the long-term and independent reusability and verifiability of the acquired research data.

The following video provides an overview of the key topics related to research data management:

In the additional contributions by RDM Compas, you will find comprehensive information on research data management topics that specifically refer to data curation activities.

If you are interested in information on research data management for researchers, you can find relevant information in links & sources provided in the section dedicated to RDM basics.