Funders often have specific requirements for research data management to promote transparency, reproducibility, and accessibility of research findings. Adhering to these guidelines enhances the credibility and impact of your work. By carefully reviewing and following each funder's guidelines, specific instructions, and templates, you can strengthen your grant application and increase your chances of success.
Similarly, journals typically require researchers to share data supporting their findings and ensure data is properly cited and stored in a public repository. They may also mandate adherence to ethical guidelines, data transparency, and reproducibility standards. Specific requirements can vary by journal.
Here is an overview of common funder requirements on research data:
| Data Management Plan (DMP) |
Many funding agencies require researchers to submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) as part of their grant application. A DMP outlines how data will be collected, stored, organized, documented, and shared throughout the research project and beyond. It typically covers data formats, metadata standards, data storage and backup, data sharing and access policies, and data preservation plans. The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong has introduced an Open Access Plan, outlining several initiatives to promote open access. It's essential to stay informed about any updates to the grant application policy of any institution you are planning to apply for. Below is an overview of the plan:
Generally, funders take two different approaches to DMP requirements: a general requirement or a detailed template with specific questions. Researchers should contact the funders or visit their websites to determine the appropriate approach and be aware of any page restrictions, formatting requirements or other similar miscellaneous matters. If your proposed research does not generate data but a DMP is still required, consult the funder for alternative arrangements. If no specific template is provided, click <DMPTool@CityUHK> to learn what is typically expected in a DMP.
Examples of Funders requiring a DMP |
| Open Data: Share and Archive |
Many funding agencies require or encourage public availability of research data generated from funded projects. This implies that researchers who receive funding may be obligated to openly share their data through trusted data repositories, allowing other researchers to access, utilize, reuse, and build upon it. Researchers should carefully study whether funders require specific designated data repositories. In cases where no specific repository is designated, we strongly recommend that authors choose a data repository that provides a persistent identifier, preferably a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), and has a robust preservation plan in place to ensure long-term data preservation. Furthermore, we encourage researchers to adhere to the FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) when depositing their data. To identify a suitable repository, you can utilize resources such as FAIRsharing and re3data.org, both of which offer lists of certified data repositories for reference. Recognizing the significance of the long-term accessibility and usability of research data beyond the lifespan of projects, funders often require research data from their funded projects to be preserved for a certain period of time after the project is completed. Researchers are expected to develop data preservation plans that align with these requirements, and ensure data longevity when depositing the data in trusted repositories. |
| Data Documentation and Metadata |
Funders emphasize the importance of documenting research data for usability and long-term preservation, including comprehensive metadata to facilitate data discovery and understanding. Metadata is structured information that describes, explains, locates, or otherwise makes it easier to retrieve, use, or manage an information resource. Some funders require detailed metadata standards in the Data Management Plan (DMP), while others mandate that data from funded projects be shared openly with comprehensive metadata that following disciplinary best practices. Researchers should carefully observe the metadata requirements specified by their funders. Here are some useful resources for you to explore metadata schema in your research areas: |
For enquiries, please contact the Library's Research Data Management Services of the Research Support and Scholarly Communication Section at lbrdms@cityu.edu.hk
