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Research data management: a practical guide

Managing data

A practical guide to help you manage your research data well, covering best practice for the successful organisation, storage, documentation, archiving and sharing of research data.

Managing research data is an integral part of the research process.

It includes activities that you may be familiar with, such as file naming conventions, storing and backing up data, describing and documenting data, and you may already be doing it.

Data management activities

To successfully manage the research data you are working with, you will need to:
 

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identify secure storage for your research data.


decide how you will organise your research data.


consider the file formats of the digital research data you create or collect.


write the documentation you may need for your research data.


Responsibilities

You may also have contractual, ethical or legal responsibilities you need to meet:
 

if your research is funded, funder requirements.


when working with sensitive data.


when working with third party data.