Data curation, archiving and retention
Retention Periods
Following are guidelines for determining minimum and maximum retention periods for your research data.
General options for minimum retention
| Type of research | Time period |
| Research | 5-years post-publication date |
| Research with Health information | 7 years post-publication |
| Drug/Device clinical trials participants 18+ years |
15 years post-publication date |
| Drug/Device clinical trials from participants under 18 years of age | When the last participant turns 25 or 15 years post-publication date, whichever is longest. |
| Indefinitely | Indefinitely |
This table is a guideline only- please check with Human Ethics or Records Management Services.
Maximum Retention Period
To work out the maximum retention period, you need to consider the longer-term value of the data in light of the potential research impact and other factors. Refer to the Research Data Management Policy
Retention of Unpublished Data
You may collect or generate research data that is valuable but is unsuitable for or unable to be published (for example, for ethical reasons). In such cases, ensure that your data is properly stored on a designated Research Drive.