Research Data Management (RDM) and data management plan guidance
Research data takes many forms, ranging from measurements, numbers and images to documents and publications. It is important to manage your data correctly from the start so you can save a lot of time and hassle at the end of a project.
Many research funders require data management plans as part of funding applications.
The University's Open Data team has prepared comprehensive guidance to help you plan, create, organise, share, and look after your research materials. They also deliver regular training sessions and workshops on research data management in locations around the University, and can provide one-to-one training.
Researchers are increasingly developing data management tools that can help you to keep track of and analyse your research data, for example; please see the Related links menu.
The Chemistry Library delivers research data management training to Chemistry postgraduate students and post-docs/PIs. Please see our Induction and training page for further information and to book a place.
Cloud-based file storage solutions
UIS (University Information Services) currently offers three third-party cloud-based data storage services for individuals that you can associate with your @cam email address: OneDrive for Business, G Drive and Dropbox Business. You can compare them all on the UIS website.
- All staff and students of the University can get 1TB of cloud-based file storage space for your work and personal files via the OneDrive for Business solution.
- You can save 50% on a Dropbox Business subscription if you purchase through the University. This gives you unlimited storage.
- Google Drive is part of the G Suite @ Cambridge service. It currently gives each member of the University free, unlimited cloud-based file storage that has an individual file size limit of 5TB. However, the quota will be reduced to 20GB from December 2022. If your current usage exceeds 20GB by December 2022 you will need to move some data to another storage service. Find out more on the UIS website.
Electronic Research Notebooks (ERNs)
The Electronic Research Notebooks website, created by the Research Data team at the Office of Scholarly Communication, contains information that will help you think about the different features of electronic notebooks and gives guidance on how to pick one that suits you. Preface/disclaimer: There is no perfect product!
Open Research at the University
Open Research Position Statement
The University of Cambridge Open Research Position Statement summarises the University’s approach to Open Research. It sets out key principles for the conduct and support of Open Research at the University.