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Research Ethics and Academic Integrity

Research Data Management and Data Management Plans

When conducting research, it is crucial to manage your data effectively. This involves organising, storing, and preserving your data to ensure its integrity, accessibility, and reusability. A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a valuable tool that outlines how you will handle your research data throughout the entire research lifecycle.

What is a Data Management Plan (DMP)?

A DMP is a comprehensive document that describes how you will collect, process, store, share, and preserve your research data. It serves as a roadmap for managing your data and ensuring its long-term availability. A well-structured DMP can help you:

  • Comply with funder requirements and institutional policies.
  • Ensure the quality, integrity, and security of your data.
  • Facilitate data sharing and collaboration.
  • Increase the visibility and impact of your research.

Key Components of a DMP

A typical DMP includes the following sections:

  1. Data Description: Describe the types of data you will collect, how it will be generated, and its expected size and format.
  2. Data Collection: Explain your data collection methods, including any ethical considerations and data protection measures.
  3. Data Storage and Preservation: Specify where and how you will store your data during and after the research project. Address issues such as backup, security, and long-term preservation.
  4. Data Sharing and Access: Describe how you will share your data, if applicable. This may involve depositing it in a repository, publishing it online, or providing access upon request.
  5. Data Documentation and Metadata: Explain how you will document your data, including the creation of metadata (data about data) to facilitate understanding and reuse.
  6. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Address any ethical issues related to data collection, storage, and sharing, such as informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality.
  7. Responsibilities and Resources: Identify the individuals responsible for data management tasks and the resources required to implement the DMP.

Creating Your DMP

Start developing your DMP early in the research process. Consult with your supervisor, colleagues, and library staff for guidance. Many funders and institutions provide DMP templates and resources to assist you. Remember, your DMP is a living document that should be updated as your research progresses.

Data Protection and Security in Research

When conducting research, especially when it involves collecting personal data, it is crucial to adhere to data protection legislation. The University of Derby, in accordance with UK GDPR legislation, has specific guidelines for the collection, storage, and use of personal data.

Key Data Protection Principles

  • Purpose Limitation: Data should be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a way incompatible with those purposes.
  • Data Minimisation: Only collect the minimum amount of personal data necessary to achieve the research objectives.
  • Accuracy: Ensure the accuracy and, where necessary, update the personal data collected.
  • Storage Limitation: Personal data should not be kept for longer than necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
  • Integrity and Confidentiality: Implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of personal data, including protection against unauthorised access, accidental loss, destruction, or damage.

Data Security Measures

To safeguard research data, consider the following security measures:

  • Secure Storage: Store data in password-protected files and encrypted devices.
  • Access Controls: Limit access to authorised personnel only.
  • Regular Backups: Create regular backups of your data to prevent loss.
  • Data Anonymisation or Pseudonymisation: Remove or replace personally identifiable information to protect participant privacy.
  • Secure Data Transfer: Use secure methods for transferring data, such as encrypted file transfer protocols.

By adhering to data protection legislation and implementing robust security measures, you can ensure the ethical and legal handling of research data, maintain participant trust, and uphold the integrity of your research.

  • Anonymised Data: Data with all direct and indirect identifiers removed, so individuals cannot be identified.
  • Data Availability Statement: A statement in a published research paper describing how and on what terms the supporting research data can be accessed.
  • Data Management Plan (DMP): A document outlining how research data will be collected, processed, stored, shared, and preserved throughout the research lifecycle.
  • DOI (Digital Object Identifier): A unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object, such as a dataset or article, to provide a persistent link for citation and access.
  • ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID): A unique identifier for researchers to distinguish themselves and their research activities.
  • Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual.
  • Principal Investigator: The person responsible for the intellectual leadership and overall management of a research project.
  • Pseudonymised Data: Data where identifying information is replaced with pseudonyms to protect individual privacy.
  • Research Data: Data collected, observed, or generated during the course of research.
  • UDORA (University of Derby Online Research Archive): The University of Derby's institutional repository for storing and sharing research data and publications.

University Policy and Procedures:

Research Data Management Plans:

GDPR and Research Data