Research data and research data management

Research data management (RDM) involves handling research data methodically and systematically. Handling data efficiently involves planning and implementing data analysis, storage, archiving and publication, as well as establishing standard practices.

Data management and research funding

RDM is a central aspect of science policy that is both supported and required by major funding providers.

Planning and describing research data management in detail not only prevents data loss and increases the visibility, effectiveness and sustainability of research at FAU, it also increases the chances of receiving funding, as many funding organizations, public third-party funding providers (such as the DFG, or the European Union for ERC applications) and foundations require a data management concept to be presented together with the funding proposal.

The aim of this concept is to ensure that both science and society receive optimum benefit from the funding and that the data and results of the research remain accessible to the public after the project has been completed where possible.

Research data are a valuable resource in science. Handling this data in a responsible manner is decisive for preserving and transferring research findings, also for FAU, which, in turn, encourages scientific progress. Professional research data management offers many advantages to researchers, the users of this data and society as a whole and strengthens research activity.

Guidelines and recommendations for handling research data

FAU believes that storing and managing research data is crucial for successful, sustainable research and scientific integrity. It is essential that research data are handled responsibly and methodically. If the University, its members and the general public are to benefit, this must not only be encouraged but also made a requirement, and To achieve this, it is important to raise awareness of research data and FAIR principles in the long term.

FAU’s Research data policy contains guidelines for all staff on how to handle research data. It is updated at regular intervals and passed by the Executive Board of the University. The current version is available at Research data policy.

Discipline-specific recommendations and solutions for the sustainable development and utilization of research data are being developed by the consortia of the publicly funded National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) in particular. The standards these recommendations contain will influence how various disciplines deal with research data in the future.