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Oxford University

New to managing research data? Start here

Research Data Oxford is the University of Oxford's central source of information and guidance about research data management - also known as RDM.

Research data management is an umbrella term, covering a range of data-related activities during the whole research project life cycle, from before it starts to after the project concludes.

The basics

Research data management includes:

  • Data management planning
  • Good practice in collecting and working with data during the live phase of the project
  • Compliance with legal and ethical requirements relating to research data
  • What happens to the data after the project is complete: preservation or disposal, and data sharing where appropriate

Good research data management is an essential part of good research. It has two key goals:

  • Smoothing the progress of the research process, by ensuring data is kept safe and that it’s possible to make the best use of it
  • Extending the life of data beyond the project, by ensuring it remains useful and accessible

Each page in this section deals with a key aspect of research data management. If you're new to the topic, good places to start are:

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About data management

Good data management is an intrinsic part of doing good research. This page gives a brief introduction to some key concepts.

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Data management plans

A data management plan can help your research project to run smoothly and efficiently, and ensure you can get the most out of your data. All University of Oxford researchers are encouraged to create a DMP as part of good scholarly practice.

Want to know more?

For members of the University of Oxford, a collection of Research data management induction resources can be found on OxIntranet. These include a one-minute video introduction to the topic, plus brief slideshows and a fact-sheet.

The Research Data Oxford team is also available to provide more personalised guidance. Email [email protected] to ask a question or to organise a chat to talk further.