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Research Data Management

Research data management (RDM) refers to the processes applied through the lifecycle of a research project to guide the collection, documentation, storage, sharing and preservation of research data.

 

A key component of research excellence, RDM practices are increasingly recognized world-wide to ensure the responsible conduct of research, save resources during the research process, and contribute to research impacts.

Data management plans and the deposit of research data are steadily being requested for funding applications and/or journal submissions.

Tri-Agency RDM policy

In March 2021, Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy was released to support Canadian research excellence by promoting best practices in research data management and stewardship. The policy includes three pillars:

The development of institutional RDM strategies

Queen’s released its Institutional RDM Strategy in 2023 to promote the use of wise and responsible research data management practices. The strategy outlines various approaches to institutional support for RDM including tools, resources, and infrastructure, awareness-raising activities, and special considerations.

Queen's RDM Strategy

RDM plans for grant applications

As part of a pilot program, data management plans (DMP) are required for several Tri-Agency granting opportunities. University Research Services and the Queen’s University Library support the research community in the preparation of DMPs for these pilot grant applications and for DMPs needed for any other research project.

Queen's Library RDM support

Data deposit for grant-funded projects

Implementation for the data deposit requirement is forthcoming. Queen’s University Library provides researchers with resources and services for data deposit and sharing, including managing and curating data deposits in the Queen's Dataverse Collection. A Research Data Storage Finder is also available to help you find the right storage solution for your project.

Research Data Storage Finder

Need help?

The research data management team in the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio can assist you with:

  • the development of data management plans in relation to grant applications;
  • establishment of a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) or Data Transfer Agreement (DTA);
  • support discussion of best practices, guidance and streamline workflows with respect to research-centric tools, technologies and service supports; and
  • support the adoption of the Queen's institutional RDM strategy.
Contact the Research Data Management team

Create your data management plan

A data management plan (DMP) is a formal document that outlines how research data will be collected, organized, stored, shared, and preserved throughout a project and after its completion. It helps researchers anticipate and address issues related to data handling, ensuring that information remains accessible and understandable. Developing a DMP supports good research practices by clarifying team responsibilities, complying with institutional and funding agency requirements, and enabling transparency and reproducibility. Because research needs can change over time, a DMP should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect new tools, data types, or project developments.

The DMP Assistant is a free, bilingual online tool developed by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada to help researchers create effective data management plans. It guides users through key questions with best practice advice and examples.

RDM news and updates

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