Plan your data management from the beginning
Even before you begin researching, you need to consider what types of research data you will be managing. Will you be managing personal data or other types of data that need to be protected in some way? You need to conduct an information classification and a risk and vulnerability analysis. Umeå University recommends that you also draw up a data management plan at the beginning of each research project. Many external funding bodies also require this.
Follow legal requirements and guidelines
You need to know the laws and guidelines that govern how you handle research data, but there are also requirements from both Umeå University and funding bodies that you need to follow. For example, your data management is expected to comply with the FAIR principles.
Read more about different guidelines for managing research data
Choose the right tools and IT services
You need to store your research data securely, both during ongoing research and when the project is completed. You also need to consider the type of data you are managing, as sensitive data requires special solutions. If you collaborate with other organisations, you need to think about how to manage access to data and what agreements need to be in place.
Read more about how to protect your information
Sharing research data in collaborations
Collect and organise data
When you start collecting data, you need to have a clear structure for how you organise your files. To help researchers with this, the University has created a template for a ready-made folder structure.
Read more about organising data when conducting research
Search in existing research data
You can also search and use data from previously conducted research. Keep in mind that you need to request data if it is classified as secret and that classified data retains its classification even if you are given access to it.
How to search and use research data from other researchers
Making research data accessible for others
When you have completed your research, you should describe the research data so that others can understand it, even if they do not have access to the data itself. By publishing a description of your data in an open repository, you publicise the existence of your research data and enable future use. This allows funding bodies, journal publishers and other researchers to find your research data and verify your results.
Read more about making data accessible
Preserving research data for the future
Each department is responsible for archiving its research material. Always contact the department’s archive coordinator and records manager for information about archiving research material.
More information on archiving and preserving data for the future
Do you have questions about research data?
The University has a cross-functional team that supports you with research data issues in areas such as archiving, legal affairs, IT support, open data, and information security. You can contact the research data support team using the following form:
Contact the research data support team if you have questions
