Research Data Repository
A key component of research data management plans is the archiving of data, samples and other research products, and the preservation of access to them. ITS can help Principal Investigators identify the requirements that must be satisfied by any data storage solution for data created as part of the data management and data sharing plans.
Research Data Repository Requirements
NIH on data sharing:
To minimize additional administrative workloads for sharing data, data repositories with common standards and an established infrastructure dedicated to the appropriate distribution of data would generally be ideal for data sharing.
University Policy on Collection and Retention of Research Data
Faculty Handbook, 2023-2024, page 89
"Case Western Reserve University shall retain research data in sufficient detail and for an adequate period to enable appropriate responses to questions about accuracy, authenticity, primacy and compliance with laws and regulations governing the conduct of the research."
"Research data shall be archived for not less than three years after the final grant close-out or after publication resulting from the project, whichever occurs last, with original data retained whenever possible. It is the responsibility of the PI to determine and utilize reasonable and prudent methods of Faculty Handbook Academic Year 2023-202490 archiving, using University information technology resources where possible. Where applicable, appropriate measures to protect confidential information must be taken. In addition, any of the following circumstances may justify longer periods of retention:
- Data shall be kept for as long as necessary to protect any intellectual property resulting from the work.
- If any charges regarding the research should arise, such as allegations of scientific misconduct or conflict of interest, data shall be retained until such charges are fully resolved.
- If the data involved constitute part of a student’s work toward a degree, they shall be retained at least until the degree is awarded or the student has abandoned the degree program."
A Research Data Repository should include:
- Multiple backups and restoration practices, including online, near-line, offline and off-site storage of files.
- Continuous file integrity checks, such as checksum assignment and auditing
- Persistent identifiers that use metadata to continuously locate a file, even if it is moved during routine storage reallocation.
- Storage of files in multiple formats; one or more canonical formats that are vendor independent and conform to non-proprietary standards are employed whenever feasible. The original file format should also be maintained.
Follow the links below for more information.