Research Data Management

This online research data management guide helps investigators show compliance with data protection, data retention and open research expectations from funders, ethics committees and institutions. It is organised as short, themed pages linked from a central landing page, with clear navigation to sections on data management plans, best practices and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data, choosing a repository, and managing data across the research lifecycle. It covers core research data management topics, including data management plans, data storage and security, data sharing, data archiving and preservation, copyright, data protection, open research, and the use of data repositories and digital object identifiers (DOIs) to share datasets. 
Practical guidance is grouped into four main areas:

• Planning and data management plans: what a data management plan is, when to write it, typical length (1–3 pages), how to update it during the project, and links to a UCL template and DMPonline.
• Best practices and FAIR data: principles and practices that enable sharing, documentation and reuse in line with FAIR data guidelines.
• Managing data across the research lifecycle: stepwise advice for planning and preparation, active research, project closure and long‑term preservation, including retention and repository use.
• Choosing a repository: how to select a suitable data repository, taking into account accessibility, long‑term storage, subject‑specific options and the UCL Research Data Repository for staff and research students.

Useful entry points are the “Managing data across the research lifecycle” page for an overview of phases and tasks, and the “Writing a Data Management Plan” section for templates, training and access to DMPonline. Contact details for the Research Data Management team are provided throughout for personalised advice via a dedicated email address.