Research data management
Research data management
The University expects its staff and students to manage research data responsibly, and to preserve and share primary data of long-term value, so that other researchers may consult them, both to validate published findings and to re-use the data for new research purposes.University expectations are set out in its , and reflect standards of practice established in the sector and the policies of many research funders and publishers.
Effective management of research data will support good quality research and can enable you to realise the full value of the data you collect and generate, so that you achieve the maximum reach and impact for your research.
Research Data Service
The University鈥檚 Research Data Service is based in the Open Research team in the Library. It supports and enables good research data management practice and compliance with policy requirements. Visit the website for details of services and contact information.
Key services and links to areas of the website follow.
Grant applications: Funders may ask for a data management plan (DMP) to be submitted in support of grant applications. Where this is the case, the plan must be reviewed by the Research Data Manager prior to submission. The Research Data Manager can advise on drafting the plan and help you specify and cost any requirements for high-volume storage and computing resource. Visit .
Ethical review: The University Research Ethics Committee and selected School Research Ethics Committees require the submission of a DMP with applications for ethical approval. The Research Data Service hosts the DMP template that is used for this purpose, along with supporting guidance for applicants and reviewers. .
Postgraduate research students: PGRs registered from September 2025 are required to complete data management planning training and to submit a DMP approved by their supervisor as part of confirmation of registration and subsequent annual reviews. They must also deposit primary data supporting their thesis and any published findings in a suitable data repository. Supervisors are expected to ensure their students comply with these requirements. .
Data sharing: Data sharing by deposit in a data repository in support of published findings is expected by University policy, the policies of many funders, and by many publishers of research. We provide advice on and we manage the University鈥檚 data repository, the , which can be used by staff and research students.
Managing participant data: We manage , a secure research database platform that is widely used for collecting and managing data from research participants.
Training: We provide core research data management training for both staff and research students in face-to-face, online and e-learning modes. We can also deliver training and information sessions tailored to the requirements of any group. .
Developing your knowledge: The provides an introduction to research data management concepts and practices, with sections on data management planning, managing your data, and preserving and sharing data. It includes guidance on handling intellectual property rights in data, and managing participant data in compliance with legal and ethical obligations.