Research Data Management (RDM) is the collection, organisation, preservation and sharing of research data.
Work through the steps of the Research Data Lifecycle to learn data management best practice.
Top tip: RDM is about organising and documenting all your data as you undertake your research project.
Any information created, collected or obtained in the course of a research project that underpins your research output
Lab books, field notes and observations, questionnaires, focus groups and surveys, sound and video recordings, photographs, models, computer code, software...
It is essential to the integrity of your research, saves time, helps prevent errors and data losses.
It is a requirement under the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.
RDM occurs in the planning phase before research begins, and continues during 'active' research with collection and creation of data, and processing and analysis of data, through to archiving of organised and described data collections. It continues with the curation and preservation of data collections post-research, with potential re-use and re-purposing of the data.
Use this guide to learn more about each stage of the Lifecycle.
As a researcher at Charles Sturt, it is important to be familiar with the RDM Policy and Intellectual Property (IP) Policy to understand your responsibilities for data management and data disposal.
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Code) is a framework outlining the responsibilities of institutions and researchers. Major research funders have guidance on managing research data, but also refer to the Code:
The federal government's public data policy resources requires all government agencies to make non-sensitive data open by default.
The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) website has valuable resources to assist in RDM.
Some journals and publishers have data policies regarding the sharing or publication of data that are worth knowing about at the start of your research.
Your Faculty Librarian
Your HDR supervisor
If you need support with storage or research tools contact the DIT Service Desk
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
