Research Data Management at BU

What is Research Data Management (RDM)?

Research Data Management “refers to the processes applied through the lifecycle of a research project to guide the collection, documentation, storage, sharing and preservation of data.  RDM supports the effective and responsible conduct of research and increases the ability to store, find and reuse research data” (“Research Data Management.”  Government of Canada.  Accessed June 20, 2022).

The Tri-Agency (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) have adopted a Research Data Management Policy.  This Policy identifies the following three main pillars:

• Institutional RDM Strategies: Institutions will be required to create an institutional RDM strategy, made publicly available and with contact information – Click here to read the Brandon University Research Data Management Strategy;
• RDM plans: Researchers should include methodologies reflecting RDM best practices in grant applications submitted to the Tri-Agency.  For certain grant programs, Data Management Plans (DMPs) will be required as part of the applications.  The following grant applications will be the first to require DMPs (eventually all opportunities will require DMPs):
  • CIHR:
    • Network Grants in Skin Health and Muscular Dystrophy (anticipated launch 22/23)
    • Data Science for Equity – coming soon (anticipated launch 22/23)
    • Virtual Care/ Digital Health Team Grants (anticipated launch 22/23)
  • NSERC:
    • Subatomic Physics Discovery Grants (Individual and Project) (requirement to begin summer 2023)
  • SSHRC:
    • Partnership Grant (Stage 2) (requirement to begin summer 2023)
• Data Deposit: Grant recipients will be required to deposit data, metadata and code into a digital repository (as applicable). Appropriate access to the data should be provided where ethical, cultural, legal and commercial requirements allow, and in accordance with the FAIR Principles and the standards of their disciplines.

Resources at BU

The Brandon University library has many resources available to help you to understand RDM and develop your own DMPs.  Please visit the Data Services page to find information on DMPs, data storage and preservation, open data, data repositories and much more.

Contacts

Information Technology:  Melanie Sucha

Library:  Carmen Kazakoff-Lane

Office of Research Services:  Kerry Murkin