Collect and organise data

Use Umeå University's folder structure

The University recommends creating a systematic folder structure for your research data. The recommended structure simplifies your work and enables you to make research data available according to Umeå University's research data policy.

Here you can read more about the recommended structure:

Research data management (Aurora)

Precise metadata helps you create structure in your files

You can organise your data based on different types of metadata. This helps you structure the data during your research and, at the same time, prepare your data for long-term storage and archiving. It is a good idea to start from a metadata standard used in your research field.

Metadata

Metadata standards

Sharing data in research collaborations

When you collaborate with other researchers, you may need to share research data. Data is subject to different rules to protect various interests, such as confidentiality. Therefore, certain assessments must be made before sharing data between different parties. The University has developed a guide to assist you in this process.

Sharing research data in research collaborations (Aurora)

Documenting your data management

Documenting your research data management facilitates the reuse of your data in the future and ensures that you manage your data according to rules and requirements. The documentation of your data management includes information classification, risk analysis, and a data management plan. In some cases, other documentation may also be needed depending on the type of research data processed and how it is handled.

Dokumenterad forskningsdatahantering (Aurora, in Swedish)

Guidance for classifying information (Aurora)

Guidance for conducting a risk analysis (Aurora)

Create a data management plan

Working with your files

The Swedish National Data Service (SND) has good resources on how to work practically with your data, for example, based on file formats, versioning, and software.

Work with data (SND)

Guide: Choosing a file format (SND)

IT solutions are essential  

Having secure, stable, and easy-to-use IT solutions for collecting and storing research data is essential during the ongoing research process. If you share research data with other researchers, you must choose secure IT solutions. Information and resources from ITS can be found on Aurora. Contact ITS research support to find the best solutions for your research data.

Research planning (Aurora)