University Guidelines for Research Data Management

The University Guidelines for Research Data Management are now available online. This document provides researchers at the University of Bologna with directions and tools to manage research data at every stage of its life cycle.

From planning to active management and long-term preservation, all the main actions are summarized in a checklist that outlines the essential steps for correct and responsible research data management. Additionally, there are several detailed sheets on specific aspects: from the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to intellectual property and privacy.

The new guidelines translate the University’s Policy for Research Data Management, introduced last autumn, into practical actions. This policy sets out a series of principles to support and guide researchers at the University of Bologna in the stages of creating, collecting, and managing research data.

"The University of Bologna has undertaken a clear path to enhance research data, from the Data Steward project to the approval of the new University Policy for Research Data Management - says Francesca Masini, the Rector’s Delegate for Open Science and Research Data - The guidelines, the result of a great team effort, are another step in this path, providing an additional tool to promote transparent, reliable, and responsible research within the University".

This path aligns with the University’s strategy to support Open Science, as outlined in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. The goal is to encourage the adoption of good practices, guidelines, and standards to ensure the quality, integrity, comprehensibility, and secure preservation of data during research, as well as their long-term preservation and accessibility, in compliance with current regulations and considering open access policies.

The University Guidelines for Research Data Management were developed by the Data Stewards of the University of Bologna, specialists who assist researchers in making data management decisions, along with the Open Science Working Group (GLOS), led by Professor Francesca Masini, with contributions from various University experts in data management. Additionally, in a co-creation approach, the Open Science Representatives from different departments were involved to provide the perspectives of various disciplinary experts on the topics addressed.