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Research Data Management: Learn

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Research Data Management (RDM) best practices, resources, and services available at the University of Waterloo.

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What is Research Data Management?

Research data management (RDM) covers practices associated with the collection, documentation, storage, sharing, and preservation of all research data. It involves the active organization and maintenance of data throughout the entire research process which includes the periods before, during, and after the active research phase. RDM eases the facilitation of the research process during active research, while also promoting greater data accessibility and supporting research excellence.

The FAIR Guiding Principles for Data Management and Data Stewardship

Research data management strives for data that meets the FAIR Guiding Principles, which means that data that is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. In practice, this means asking a series of questions about your research data:

  • Can I find the data?
  • If I can find the data, is it accessible?
  • If it's accessible, can I open the data file?
  • If I can open the data file, can I understand the data well enough to reuse it? Does the data have a license that allows for reuse?