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Research Data Management

Good research starts with good data. This guide will help you understand how to organize, store, protect, and share your data throughout your research journey.

What is a Data Repository?

A data repository is a storage space that allows researchers to deposit research data and let the potential users find, access, and reuse the data. Some institutions hold institutional data repositories for members to deposit data. General data repositories which accept data on different research areas are available. There are also subject-specific data repositories for the sharing of data on certain research fields.

Types of Data Repository

Here are 3 common types of data repositories:

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Institutional Data Repository

Stores and manages research data produced by a specific institution, often for long-term preservation.

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General-purpose Data Repositories

Hosts diverse datasets from various disciplines, accessible to a wide range of users.

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Discipline-specific Data Repositories

Focuses on data from a particular field, offering specialized tools and standards.

How to Choose a Data Repository: TRUST Principles

Choosing the right repository is a critical step in effective research data management. An ideal repository should not only preserve your data but also ensure its accessibility, discoverability, and long-term usability.

To help you make an informed choice, use the TRUST Principles as a framework:

 

Reference:

Lin, D., Crabtree, J., Dillo, I., Downs, R. R., Edmunds, R., Giaretta, D., De Giusti, M., L’Hours, H., Hugo, W., Jenkyns, R., Khodiyar, V., Martone, M.

     E., Mokrane, M., Navale, V., Petters, J., Sierman, B., Sokolova, D. V., Stockhause, M., & Westbrook, J. (2020). The TRUST Principles for digital

     repositories. Scientific Data, 7(1), Article 144. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-020-0486-7

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Transparency

The repository should clearly communicate its policies, governance structure, data access terms, and preservation strategy.

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Responsibility

It should define who is responsible for managing, curating, and preserving your data with clear roles for staff and data creators.

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User Focus

Ensure the repository meets the needs of your research community with intuitive interfaces, support services, and accessible documentation.

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Sustainability

Choose repositories backed by stable institutions with long-term preservation plans and financial support.

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Technology

The repository should use reliable, secure, and up-to-date technologies like DOIs, version control, and metadata standards.

Examples of TRUSTworthy Repositories

Choose the right platform to store and share your research data securely and openly. Below are some popular, free, and institutional repository options:

 

  • Figshare – A versatile platform for publishing datasets, figures, and media with DOI support.
  • Zenodo – Backed by CERN, Zenodo offers free data archiving with flexible licensing and community collections.
  • Dryad – A curated repository focused on making data underlying scientific publications discoverable and reusable.
  • Institutional Repository – Check your university or organisation’s own repository for tailored support and compliance with institutional policies.