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Definition of Research Data Management (RDM)

Research Data Management (RDM) is the process that includes all methods and procedures that aim to make research data usable over the long-term. RDM usually includes the following steps:

• Planning
• Data Collection
• Data Processing & Analysis
• Data Sharing & Publishing
• Digital Preservation
• Data Discovery & Reuse

Research data life cycle

The RDM steps can be represented as a cycle called the research data life cycle:

Benefits of RDM

• Researchers’ own interests
  • Good Scientific Practice (GSP)
  • Knowledge management / transfer
  • Preventing data loss
  • Saving yourself time in the future
• External interests
  • Research funders
  • Publishers
  • Researchers’ own institution

Consequences of poor RDM

Consequences of poor RDM include paper retraction (e.g. González Amorós & de Puit).

Further resources

• A Brief Guide - Research Data Management for busy people
• bio.tools
• Coscine - The research data management platform

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