University of Oxford research data policy

The Policy on the Management of Data Supporting Research Outputs is the University of Oxford's main policy covering research data management. It is relevant to all members of the University who are involved in research.

The current policy 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 It superseded the earlier Policy on the Management of Research Data and Records, approved by Council in July 2012.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 staff and students conducting or supporting research at, or on behalf of, the University
• 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

For more details on any of the above, please see the full text of the policy. Further guidance on applying the policy is also available.