Built by SURF, the trusted national provider for research infrastructure, it ensures your data is stored safely and remains within the Netherlands.

Why Choose SURF Research Drive?

When it comes to research data, security and accessibility are non-negotiable. Unlike consumer tools such as USB sticks, personal laptops, or commercial cloud services, this platform is built for research and fully aligned with Maastricht University’s standards.

Data Sovereignty and Security

  • National Compliance: Your data stays within the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with national and European regulations.
  • Sensitive Data: SURF Research Drive is fully GDPR-compliant, making it suitable for sensitive and personal data.
  • Peace of Mind: Focus on your research without worrying about privacy risks or legal complications.

Collaboration Without Barriers

  • Seamless Teamwork: Easily collaborate with UM colleagues and external partners through SURFconext and eduID.
  • Centralized Environment: Everyone works in the same secure environment, eliminating the need to send files via email.

Reliability and Structured Storage

  • Version Control: Includes versioning and recovery features to prevent data loss from accidental deletions or version conflicts.
  • Active Phase Storage: Provides high-capacity, structured storage for complex projects involving imaging data, video recordings, experimental results, or large datasets.

Benefits for Your Workflow

SURF Research Drive is designed to simplify research collaboration and data management:

  • Generous Capacity: Each project receives up to 500 GB storage
  • Role-Based Access: Define fine-grained permissions for team members to view, edit or manage data.
  • Persistent Environments: Keep project work organised in one shared space to avoid fragmentation across faculties.
  • User-Friendly: No IT expertise is required; it functions like a familiar drive interface.

The platform is available to:

  • UM researchers and PhD candidates.
  • Masters students (with approval).
  • Support staff.
  • External collaborators (with proper approval).

This service is fully aligned with the UM Research Data Management Code of Conduct.

Getting Started with Surf Research Drive

  1. Submit a request to the Library’s Research Drive support team (use the form on the right).
  2. Your project environment will be set up quickly following faculty approval.
  3. Support: Data Stewards and the University Library are available to support you throughout the process.

 

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