While an RDM solution represents the deliberate and systematic practice of handling research data, a data management concept (DMC) represents this practice in writing. This is not a comprehensive document, but a clearly structured tool that summarizes the key aspects of RDM in nine categories:

• Storage: list all the systems on which your data is stored.
• Data flow: Visualize the paths your data takes between these systems.
• Metadata: Capture the contextual information that describes your research.
• Documentation: Describe your documentation practices.
• Competence: Define relevant competencies and how they can be acquired.
• Sensitization: Demonstrate the value of your data and state the legal framework.
• Automation: Illustrate and describe automated processes.
• Community: Describe how you interact professionally with your community.
• Vision: Outline your long-term goals for handling data.

A DMC is exactly as complex as your practice requires, no more and no less. A few concise sentences per category, supplemented by illustrations or tables, are often sufficient. Once written, the DMC can be used in a variety of ways: e.g. as an orientation aid to familiarize new team members (onboarding), to present processes and agreements in an understandable way (RDM handbook) or to present your RDM practice transparently to funding institutions (creation of a data management plan).

We would be happy to talk to you. Contact us by e-mail via the Service Center Research Data, book an appointment or take advantage of our training opportunities.