Research Data Management Induction Resources
The presentations and resources below give a brief introduction to research data management. They are designed for use in induction sessions or similar events, or anywhere that a quick overview of the topic is needed.
- Research data management (or research information management) is a broad term covering how the information collected and processed during a research project is organized, stored, and cared for, over both the short and longer term.
- Research conducted at the University of Oxford (during the Sudamih and VIDaaS Projects) indicates that one of the keys to effective data management is starting early. Adopting good organizational strategies at the beginning of a project reduces the risk of problems further down the line, thus saving valuable time and reducing frustration.
- However, in the welter of things to be done when a research project is getting underway, it's very easy for things to get overlooked or side-lined. Hence it can be helpful to have the important issues flagged up, along with details of where to go for further information and support.
Introductory slideshows
- Data management introduction - single slide - PowerPoint presentation - September 2013
- Data management introduction - seven slides - PowerPoint presentation - September 2013
- Data management introduction - twelve slides - PowerPoint presentation - September 2013
These slideshows all cover broadly the same ground, but in differing degrees of detail.
The presentations include comprehensive presenter's notes, and are designed to be usable with a minimum of preparation. However, if you would like a member of the DaMaRO Project team to deliver one of these presentations at an induction session or other event, it may be possible to arrange this: please contact us on the email address given below.
Data management fact-sheet
- Data management fact-sheet - PDF - September 2013
- Data management fact-sheet - Word document - September 2013
This fact-sheet provides a brief introduction to research data management, designed to be printed as a double-sided A4 hand-out (we are happy to provide printed copies on request to groups within the University of Oxford). The text is also suitable for inclusion in handbooks or other print resources. (For display on the Web, you may prefer this version, with embedded clickable links instead of visible URLs.)
Managing your research data - leaflet
A printed leaflet is also available. This provides an introductory guide to key data management issues and services available to Oxford researchers. A PDF is below; please email us if you would like to request hard copies.
- Managing your research data at the University of Oxford - PDF - September 2013
You are welcome to adapt any of the above materials to suit your own purposes. Additionally, if there are further resources (or customized versions of resources) that would be useful, we are happy to discuss providing these.
To contact us, please email damaro@oucs.ox.ac.uk
These resources were last updated in September 2013.
Further information and resources
- University of Oxford Research Data Management website - provides guidance, information, and links to other material
- Managing Research Information section of the Research Skills Toolkit (SSO login needed) - advice on and tools for day-to-day management of research material
- The PrePARe Project (based at the University of Cambridge) has also produced a series of short introductory slideshows on key data management topics: What is data? (And why you should care); Start early; Store it safely; Explain it; Share it
