Appraisal and selection of data

It is not necessary, or indeed desirable, to keep all of the data produced within a research project. In order for resource and storage to be used effectively it is necessary to appraise, select and dispose of data in an organised, regular and documented fashion.

For all AU’s top research funders, the minimum data to be held and shared is that which underpins a published research output; a further requirement from funders being that a note is made within the publication of where such a dataset can be accessed by the reader.

Other datasets suggested to be selected for post-project storage are those which have an acknowledged long-term value, as they:

Are unique and/or unrepeatable, due to study design/ data collection circumstance/ monetary resource;
Represent a landmark scientific discovery;
Set new standards or precedents;
Contribute to a current collection;
Support other current and/ or future projects.

Although produced for NERC funded projects, other researchers may find the ‘NERC Data Value Checklist’ a useful resource for determining whether their research does potentially hold long-term value.

Please contact researchdata@aber.ac.uk if you would like any help or advice when appraising and selecting the data to be retained and/ or shared.

Retention of data

In-line with the minimum retention policy of AU’s top research funders, Aberystwyth University Research Data Management Policy recommends data should be stored for three (3) years after the publication or public release of the output of the research. Other research funders stipulate longer retention periods (Data requirements from funders Data requirements from funders). Other legislative and regulatory requirements such as patent law or the Data Protection Act (1998) may also influence the period of time research data or any other associated records should be held. The AU Information Compliance team (infocompliance@aber.ac.uk) can advise on such periods as appropriate.

Deletion of data

If research data and records are to be deleted or destroyed, either because the agreed period of retention has expired or for legal or ethical reasons, this should be done so in accordance with all legal, ethical, research funder and collaborator requirements and with particular concern for confidentiality and security. The AU Information Compliance team can advise on this (infocompliance@aber.ac.uk).