The University of Oxford Policy on the Management of Data Supporting Research Outputs came into effect in December 2018, after approval by the University’s Research and Innovation committee. It superseded the earlier Policy on the Management of Research Data and Records, approved by Council in July 2012.
Summary of key points:
The research data covered by the policy is the information needed ‘to support or validate a research project’s observations, findings or outputs’
Research data should be:
Accurate, complete, identifiable, retrievable, and securely stored
Where possible, able to be made available to others
Research data should be retained for ‘as long as it has continuing value’ – but a minimum of three years after publication of research
Specific requirements from funders take precedence
The policy applies to all members of the University who are engaged in research
Researchers are responsible for:
Developing and documenting clear data management procedures
Planning for the ongoing custodianship of their data
Ensuring that legal, ethical, and funding body requirements are met
The University is responsible for providing access to the services, facilities, and support needed to allow researchers to comply with the policy
