What is Research Data Management

Research data is any information that has been collected, observed, generated, or created that underpins the research question. It validates original research findings.

Research data can be physical or digital and can come in various formats such as text, tabular, geospatial, audio-visual, code, etc.

Research data management (RDM) is about how you create, organise, analyse, store, and prepare your data for preservation and reuse. It occurs throughout the entire research lifecycle and includes

• Planning for how you will manage the data including meeting funder requirements
• Considering ethical and legal issues that affect data use and reuse
• Being aware of issues pertaining to sensitive data and managing it accordingly
• Making provision for your data after your project is finished

At Manchester Met, research data management is a fundamental responsibility of all researchers. Good RDM benefits you as well as other researchers and the wider public.

Good RDM

• Demonstrates responsible research practice
• Saves you time
• Increases research efficiency
• Keeps data safe and secure
• Reduces the risk of data loss
• Promotes research integrity and reproducibility
• Ensures data is findable and understandable
• Makes data accessible and reusable
• Enables collaboration