At times, it can be difficult to find a sense of community in the AU digital sphere. However, there are a great deal of events occurring on a consistent basis. These range from style guide tips for assignments to research tips and tricks.
This Voice Magazine writer recently had a chance to attend a new AU research-focused series.
Developing Your Research Series: Research Data Management took place on February 14, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 MT. Although this session was not recorded, students who are interested in checking out the previous parts of this series can find recordings on AU’s YouTube channel.
A total of 26 students attended this session, hosted by Robyn Stobbs, AU’s Research Data Management Librarian.
Research Data Management (RDM) Defined
Robyn started the session by defining Research Data Management (RDM). RDM is a general term for how to plan for and handle data for research projects.
It must be noted that RDM occurs throughout research process. For example, RDM usually consists of an early planning stage, including the project proposal and tools, followed by data gathering and analysis, and data deposit and long-term storage after the project is completed. Although 5 years of storage is recommended, 10 years is ideal.
Robyn also spoke briefly about Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Specifically, when working with Indigenous communities, agreements with these particular communities must be in place. This process also potentially includes returning data to the community.
Emerging Requirements for Research Data Management
The session continued with a discussion on emerging requirements for RDM. Institutions, publishers, and funders can decide to formally recognize good RDM by making requirements for programs and policies.
Researchers must be aware of policies from many different entities. In Canada, the Tri-Agency RDM Policy is particularly important and has various requirements.
Data Management Planning
Next, Robyn discussed how data is collected, documented, formatted, and protected, and preserved.
In particular, the discussion centred on ethics for sensitive content and human participation. For instance, consent must be received from human participants if research is going to be released.
The discussion moved on to data and documentation, file naming, storage types, and data deposits.
Using the DMP Assistant
Finally, the session focused on an overview for DMP Assistant, a data management planning tool.
Future Events
A list of future AU events can be found on AU’s The Hub.
