Research Data Management: MANTRA Research Data Management course

This unit introduces researchers to concepts around data, what constitutes research data, and the multiple forms of data that make up the digital world.
After completing this unit researchers will:

• Be able to distinguish between various types of research data.
• Recognise the importance of managing research materials.
• Be aware of challenges presented by data in society.
• Understand the need for data science and data literacy.

Data Management Planning 

The aim of this  Data Management Planning unit is to help researchers to think through how they will collect, store and share the wealth of research data they will collect during the research project.

After completing this unit researchers will:

• Understand the basic principles of research data management and the key role that data management plays in the responsible conduct of research.
• Consider their research in terms of the research data lifecycle and be able to plan ahead to prepare for potential data management pitfalls.
• Know about the data management planning requirements of different research funders.
• Be aware of data management planning tools, support and guidance which are available to academic researchers.
• Be able to use the information in this unit to develop a data and software management plan, and to maintain it through the course of the research project.

Preparing your data for archiving

The aim of Preparing your data for archiving unit introduces the key issues for researchers planning to archive and preserve their research data.  

After completing this unit you will:

▪ Be aware of the importance of archiving research data effectively.

▪ Understand what file formats are and how to select appropriate file formats to aid the long term preservation of your data.

▪ Know what documentation you should keep to allow others to understand and use your data.

▪ Be able to appraise your data and select the most appropriate data to archive.

▪ Know the role of a digital repository and what you should consider when selecting a repository for archiving your data.

▪ Appreciate how writing a thorough data management plan can help to ensure the archiving process is as simple and straightforward as possible.

Protecting sensitive data

This unit introduces you to legal and ethical considerations for researchers working with sensitive data.
After completing this unit you will understand:
▪ what sensitive data are

▪ what data protection laws are and how they apply to research data

▪ what types of research will be subject to ethical review

▪ what consent documentation is appropriate to ensure you meet your ethical and legal obligations

▪ the key aspects of data management needed to safeguard sensitive data

▪ where to find appropriate data protection training

FAIR sharing and access

This unit outlines the benefits and challenges associated with sharing research data openly.
After completing this unit you will:
▪ Be informed about the benefits and barriers to sharing research data.

▪ Understand the principles of open research data.

▪ Know about the FAIR principles and how to share your research data in a way that is FAIR.

▪ Recognize why you might choose to license your dataset, and the different types of open data licence that are available.

▪ Be aware of the role of data access statements when publishing the results of your research.

Organising Data

The aim of this Organising Data unit is to introduce you to the concepts of research data organisation, explain why it is important, and what constitutes good data file management.

After completing this unit you will:

▪ Appreciate why research data organisation is important as your project grows.

▪ Understand data file naming, re-naming and versioning conventions.

▪ Be prepared to manage your code and track workflows to make them shareable and reproducable.

▪ See how electronic lab notebooks can support the collaborative research process.

Preparing your data for archiving

The aim of Preparing your data for archiving unit introduces the key issues for researchers planning to archive and preserve their research data.  

After completing this unit you will:

▪ Be aware of the importance of archiving research data effectively.

▪ Understand what file formats are and how to select appropriate file formats to aid the long term preservation of your data.

▪ Know what documentation you should keep to allow others to understand and use your data.

▪ Be able to appraise your data and select the most appropriate data to archive.

▪ Know the role of a digital repository and what you should consider when selecting a repository for archiving your data.

▪ Appreciate how writing a thorough data management plan can help to ensure the archiving process is as simple and straightforward as possible.

Keeping research data safe

This unit introduces you to issues involved in storing, securing and backing up your research data.

After completing this unit you will:

▪ know how to protect your data by taking adequate precautions.

▪ be aware of the options available to you to safely store your data.

▪ recognise the importance of data backups.

▪ understand password safety guidelines.

▪ know how to encrypt and destroy sensitive data when required.