After a year of development in consultation with the University research community, we are pleased to announce that on Friday 1st June we are publishing a new Research Data Policy. The new policy aims to remove the barriers to open data, aligning with funder mandates, and maximising the reach and impact of our research. In this post we explore the drivers behind the policy and explain the main principles.
Why do we need a research data policy?
You are probably wondering why we need yet another research related policy. In short, this policy is intended to be a catalyst for change. It should help us move away from the view that research data is just ‘a means to an end’ (the publication) and propel us into embracing a culture of open data. The policy also addresses the challenges that we all (researchers, funders and research organisations) face in the digital age: coping with exponential data growth, protecting and preserving valuable data, ensuring research integrity and facilitating efficient data access and reuse.
The importance of research data in the digital economy
In the eyes of research funders, research data has become a public good that should be shared. This is a natural next step in the Open Access movement: an expectation that the data underpinning research publications will also be open, within legal and ethical constraints. This is outlined for example in the UKRI Concordat on Open Research Data and Common Principles on Data Policy. The new policy is fully aligned with these funder mandates.
There is another aspect to the interest in data. Increasingly, funders and governments are looking at open data as a source of innovation and economic growth. The European Commission are positioning the European Open Science Cloud as a cornerstone of the Digital Single Market. It aims to support Europe’s nearly 2 million researchers and 70 million people working in science and technology innovation. It will have an initial budget of about €600 million, which includes funds previously earmarked for research data management, for example €300 million from the Horizon 2020 programme 2018-20. In the UK, the Government recently launched its Industrial Strategy which promises to put the country at the forefront of artificial intelligence and ‘the data revolution’ and announces billions of investment in digital infrastructure and skills development. Clearly, all this investment is expected to foster innovation and generate new income streams based on open data reuse.
OK, but didn’t we have a Research Data Management policy already?
Yes, we did! Full marks for everyone who remembers that in response to these funder requirements, the University published its first Research Data Management (RDM) policy in 2015. The policy was a manifesto in support of good RDM and open data, but admittedly, it was quite nebulous, which made it difficult to translate into action.
This was confirmed in summer 2016, when we surveyed University researchers to understand RDM practice at Plymouth. We discovered that many were uncertain about their responsibilities and the services available to them. For example, those of you who have applied for funding to UKRI (previously RCUK), the European Commission, Wellcome Trust or Cancer Research UK, amongst others, will be familiar with having to prepare a Data Management Plan (DMP). However, this requirement still comes as a surprise to some, and can be the source of much stress as the application submission deadline approaches. In reality, creating a DMP does not need to be an onerous task. A DMP can be summed up as a document that demonstrates to your funder that you have considered how your data will be managed through its lifecycle (e.g., how it will be collected, stored, organised, documented, preserved and shared); and that you are able to justify your decisions. It doesn’t need to be long or complex – in fact I’m sure your reviewers would appreciate brevity, clarity and simplicity!
So you want to go open? Help is at hand
The new Research Data Policy provides clarity about roles and responsibilities (section 2), what the University expects from our researchers (section 3), and about our support infrastructure, both existing and under development (see image). This will give you a head-start into developing your DMP and taking the first steps in your journey towards open data.
infrastructure in the context of the research lifecycle.
Research data management at the University of Plymouth: The principles
What does this policy entail? Is it just another bureaucratic task to add to the long list of things to do? The answer is no. Firstly, managing research data is an integral part of every researcher’s job. The policy doesn’t intend to make that job more difficult for you, quite the opposite. Meeting the expectations should result in a more efficient and effective way of managing your data and making it a strong contributor to the impact of your research.
Secondly, most of the expectations set by the policy are just common sense, and can be summarised as follows:
- Embed data management planning in research activities throughout the lifecycle of every project.
- Ensure that RDM practices are compliant with legal, ethical, contractual and funding requirements.
- Ensure that data is well organised and documented from the outset to guarantee its integrity, discovery and reusability.
- Store data securely, so it is protected against unauthorised modification or destruction.
- Preserve data of long-term value.
- Demonstrate that you recognise the value of research data for the wider community, and that you are committed to making data open and reusable, wherever possible. This is the key principle to remember when considering how open your data should be: “as open as possible, as closed as necessary.” (FAIR data principles)
For more information on how to meet the expectations, see this short guide.
Benefits of good practice in data management and sharing for researchers
You may still be wondering what is in it for you. As mentioned earlier, there is growing interest in open data. Because of this, good RDM practice and sharing data openly can bring you considerable tangible benefits, for example:
- Enhancing the visibility of research data and increasing the number of citations
- Providing opportunities for collaboration with other researchers
- Reducing the risk of data loss or damage by keeping research data safe and secure
- Demonstrating research integrity and enabling validation of research results
- Increasing research efficiency, saving time and resources and preventing duplication
- Fulfilling funders’ mandates and publisher’s requirements
What about Postgraduate Research (PGR) students, are they covered by the policy?
We are expecting PGR to be covered by the new policy from October 2018. Even though many are not externally funded, the University wants to encourage best practice from the start of every researcher’s career. This will provide PGR students with the data management skills they will need in their professional lives. The Open Access and Research Data Guidelines for Postgraduate Research (PGR) Students explain in more detail what is expected from students and their supervisors.
Training and support
Over the next few months we will put in place a transformation plan that delivers upgraded infrastructure, new services and an ongoing programme of awareness and training. However, if you have any interim questions check the RDM online guide or contact openresearch@plymouth.ac.uk