Initially, the principles of Research Data Management (RDM) were often seen as an administrative burden. Today, however, we see a well-oiled system designed to enhance data quality and improve the overall research process. RDM is now a cornerstone of research integrity. What constitutes solid Research Data Management? What do researchers have to take into account when starting and conducting their research?  How can we navigate the complexities of Data Management Plans (DMPs) and FAIR data principles without getting lost?

Two experts guide us through this interesting area; Nicky Daniels, RDM Data Steward at Hasselt University and Laura Standaert, Data Steward at Ghent University (Life Sciences & Medicine cluster, which includes the Faculties of Medicine, Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences).  

In this episode, we cover:

• Definition and impact of Research Data Management
• Risks of not having Research Data Management procedures
• Enhancing visibility through sound Research Data Management
• Perceived barriers to data sharing
• The FAIR principles
• Link of Research Data Management with ethics and privacy
• The recognition for the importance of Research Data Management
• What is a Data Management Plan?
• How do you choose the right repository for your data?

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This podcast series complements the online training tool 'Mind the GAP, training on Good Academic Practices'. Mind the GAP is an English-language training tool for all researchers and those involved in research, from PhD students to more experienced researchers, to teachers and policy makers.  

If you are affiliated with a Flemish university you can find the tool on your institution’s educational platform: 

Ghent University: Ufora  

KU Leuven: Toledo 

University of Antwerp: Blackboard 

Hasselt University: Blackboard  

Vrije Universiteit Brussels: Canvas  

Not part of the above institutions? Go to https://mindthegap.vlir.be/ and follow the international version of the tool (condensed version).   

The Mind the GAP Podcast was jointly developed by VLIR (Flemish Interuniversity Council – Filip Colson) and the five Flemish universities (Ghent University – Stefanie Van der Burght; KU Leuven – Wouter Vandevelde; University of Antwerp – Marianne De voecht; Hasselt University – Stephanie Ruysschaert; Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Klara Swalus) and was financed by the Flemish government. It was produced by podcast agency De Praeters and hosted by Elisa Nelissen (KU Leuven). 

Connect with us: https://mindthegap.vlir.be/

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Resources Mentioned 

• Creative Commons: Creative Commons licences  
• Re3data.org: Re3data 
• Zenodo 

Key Takeaways

• Sound Research Data Management makes your research more efficient
• With Research Data Management you can acknowledge researchers involved in data collection.
• The FAIR principles: the acronym is more difficult than the practice
• The attitude of senior researchers sets the treshold for data sharing
• Check Research Data Management requirements of journals and funders in advance