Research data is digital information collected in order to be analysed for scientific purposes. For instance, statistics, questionnaire results and results from experiments and surveys. Digital information on physical objects, such as archaeological collections or works of art, for instance, are also considered research data. The university's policy for the processing of research data describes responsibilities and provides guidance on how to process and store research data.
Policy for research data management
Structure for managing research data
In order to facilitate the work in research projects and to be able to make research data available in accordance with Umeå University's policy for data management, the following structure is recommended.
The structure consists of a main folder with four subfolders. Each folder contains a readme file that describes what the folder can be used for. The structure was originally developed in clinical science and is based on archiving after each publication. Whether or not you are going to archive after each publication or project completion is determined by the institution's internal procedures.
In addition to those folders, folders can be created as needed. If you create your own folders, you should create your own readme files that describe the purpose of the the folder.
Description of folders
Main folder or "root": preferably named with project title and project number.
Data: Stores raw data along with information about the raw data.
Documents: This is where copies of basic documentation about the project will be stored. For example, RSA, information classification, application documents, agreements, etc. Some documents should also be registered. Contact the responsible person to do so.
Programs: The programs or scripts used in the project are collected here.
Results: Results from the analysis of the research data are stored here.
Personal data and code keys
If the project deals with pseudonymized personal data, the code key must not be stored in the same place as the data.
Template to use during your research project
Data management plan
A data management plan is a document describing how research data is to be collected, stored, processed, documented, used and made accessible during and after a research project. In many cases, funding bodies require a project to have a data management plan. The data management plan is an active document that can be updated continuously during the project.
Template for data management plans
To make it easier to write data management plans that meet the set requirements, you can use the tool DMPonline. It contains both an online version of Umeå University's template for data management plans and a question-based variant that makes it possible to choose ready-made answers, instead of writing free text yourself. In addition, you can invite your colleagues to work on the data management plan with you.
Go to DMPonline
The University Library has a research data team. This team can answer questions about or read and provide feedback on your data management plan.
Contact the University Library
IT services
There is a number of IT services available to researchers at Umeå University to help collect, store, analyse and archive research data. The university IT office, ITS, is responsible for the institution-wide IT services at the university and can also develop new services together with you.
IT and online services