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Archiving and preserving data

Research data must be archived at the University, even when the data have been made available through a repository. Remember to use a reliable file format that is not at risk of becoming obsolete and unusable.


Research data are to be archived

Research data are public documents and must therefore be archived at the University, even if you have also made the research data available or provided descriptions of the data in a repository. Each department is responsible for archiving its research material.

Prepare to archive research data from the start of the project and use the data management plan as a tool to facilitate archiving.

Read more about archiving your research material

The file format needs to remain compatible in the long term

Research data is archived for at least ten years, which means that there is a risk that electronic files may become outdated and can no longer be used. As such, you need to choose a reliable file format that can be opened even in the future.  

Read more about file formats (researchdata.se)

Some data is deleted after a minimum of ten years

Research data is saved for at least ten years, in some cases longer. After this period, the head of department can determine that certain data may be deleted. It is a good idea to have documented your research data in detail to facilitate decisions about data deletion in case you no longer work at the department. A logical and easily understandable folder structure provides a good basis for archiving. The University has developed a folder structure for research data that you can use.

Find the University’s folder structure template

In cases where research data is deleted, the metadata description of the research data should still be retained.

Read more about describing data

Find your archive coordinator and records manager

Always contact the department’s archive coordinator and records manager at the beginning of a project for information about archiving research material. 

Learn more about archiving and data deletion

Read more about the basics of archiving, the actual meaning of the terms “retain” and “delete” and who is responsible for archiving. There are also frequently asked questions and answers about determining whether to delete data. 

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Basis and responsibility for archiving

Most research material is public documents and must be archived.

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Frequently asked questions about archiving research material

Frequently asked questions about archiving and deleting research data.

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

Latest update: 2025-06-05

Learn more about research data

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Guide to managing research data

Brief chronological guide to managing research data, with further reading.

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Share research data

By describing and publishing research data, others can reuse them.

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Secrecy for research data

Research data can be classified as secret, giving you a duty of secrecy.