Research data management

The Research Data Management team provide support on all aspects of the management of research data including how to create a data management plan, understanding funder requirements, organising your data and how to archive and share your data. The team also provides initial advice on any ethical, legal and data security issues to consider and put you in touch with the relevant contacts at the University for more detailed enquiries.

Planning for research data

Planning for research data and other digital outputs from research involves the planning of resources through a data management plan.
Working with data

Research data management is a process that continues throughout and beyond a research project.
Data storage

Choosing appropriate data storage and backup facilities is paramount for any type of digital output during a research project.
Working with sensitive data

Researchers have a responsibility to identify sensitive data and correctly protect it.
Research data policies

The University of St Andrews, as well as most funders and journals have policies regarding the preservation, publication and citation of research data.
Publish, archive and preserve

Archiving, preservation and publication are important stages of the research data lifecycle.
Data access statements

The University and UKRI require a data access statement to be included in all publications even when data is not publicly available. Guidance on requirements and on how to write a complete statement.
Managing code

The computer code used for generating software, websites and models or simulations during a research project is a digital output that should be managed using a suitable version control system.
Requirements for postgraduate students

As part of the first-year review, postgraduate students must submit a data management plan. At the end of their studies, they are encouraged to make data underpinning theses publicly available.
Contact and support

The Research Data Management team can provide support on a range of data management topics.