Research Data Management: what do you need to know?

Aston University now has a Research Data Management (RDM) policy, setting out the expectations that the University has of researchers with regards to the management of data arising from their research and the roles of the various individuals or services that will support this during the lifecycle of research data.

Research data are defined as factual records, which may take the form of numbers, symbols, text, images or sounds, used as primary sources for research, and that are commonly accepted in the research community as necessary to validate research findings.

In line with the RCUK Common Principles on Data Policy, Aston's policy recognises that research data arising from publicly-funded research should be treated as a public good, and made available to others wherever possible. We have begun to publish datasets supporting published research.

If you would like to know more about RDM, there is a suite of web pages to help you, covering the benefits of RDM, Data Management Plans, and Funders' Data Policies, or contact researchdata@aston.ac.uk or your Information Specialist for advice.