Research data management (RDM) is the organization and maintenance of research data throughout the entire research project life cycle. This includes setting up protocols before initiating data collection, and then collecting, tracking, and creating backups of the data during study execution. It also includes data sharing, archiving and publishing upon project completion.
RDM is not a new concept. Lawson Research Institute (Lawson) of St. Joseph’s Health Care London researchers already employ these processes and procedures, and perform RDM in varying capacities.
Why is it important?
RDM is an essential part of research excellence. Research must be conducted to the highest professional standard by ensuring that it is performed ethically, makes good use of public funds, experiments and studies are replicable, and research results are as accessible as possible. In addition, some journals require certain types of data to be shared or stored in specific repositories as a condition of publication. Concerns around reproducibility of research results have led to increased interest in data sharing so research results can be replicated and confirmed.
There is also a need to elevate the availability of Canadian data on the world stage. This means we need more Canadian datasets to be cited and used in research outputs and acknowledged appropriately. This would also increase the ability for research data to be archived, found, and responsibly reused, to fuel new discoveries and innovation across multiple disciplines and geographical borders.
In short, strong RDM practice is a sign of research excellence and Lawson is committed to the highest quality of research integrity and excellence.
Institutional RDM Strategy
An institutional RDM strategy is a concise and directive document that outlines how an institution will increase its capacity for effective RDM.
The purpose of creating and establishing an institutional RDM strategy is to foster a culture of sustainable and collaborative data stewardship and develop the capacity to support researchers in adopting responsible RDM practices, following FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) guiding principles.
Lawson recognizes that efficient research data management is an essential element of research excellence. A Lawson Institutional Research Data Management Strategy has been developed in accordance with the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy (Government of Canada, 2021).
For additional information please contact: @email.
