Data management planning

Research data management plans are documents that describe:

• how data will be collected
• where data will be stored
• who will be able to access the data
• how access will be controlled
• how long data will be kept after the end of the project
• if data will be shared, either open-access or via mediated access.

Taking the time to plan research data management at the start of a research project creates benefits during the project, and after the project is complete.

Benefits include:

• improved efficiency in the handling of your data
• data is easier to find, interpret and analyse
• caring for your data reflects its high value and leads to improved research quality
• protection from data-related risks such as data errors, data loss or security breaches
• funding bodies are increasingly requiring evidence of data management planning in their policies and conditions

The La Trobe Research Data Management Policy states:

It is the researcher responsibility to:

Maintain an up-to-date Research Data Management Plan/s, including accountability for AI generated research data.

Researchers must ensure that the security and privacy measures that are used for research data and primary materials are proportional to the risks associated with the confidentiality or sensitivities of these data and materials. These measures relate to storage, access and sharing of the data and information and should be recorded in the data management plan. Researchers have the responsibility to seek advice from the relevant area/s if unsure.

See the La Trobe University Research Data Management Policy.