What is DataverseNL?
DataverseNL is a digital repository available to Maastricht University researchers, where one can publish or register research data during the research process and after its completion to make it discoverable, citable and accessible to future research (i.e. FAIR). This service is implemented based on original open-source Dataverse software developed at Harvard University.
DataverseNL is jointly offered by DANS and 21 participating Dutch institutes as of 2023. DANS administers the technical infrastructure, and institutes manage respective dataverses . Each institute contributes to the Dataverse Advisory Board and engages in a community of Dataverse managers who regularly share experiences to refine research data management practices. Maastricht University is represented by the University Library’s Research Support & Development department.
Usage at Maastricht University
At our university, the adoption of DataverseNL for research data management aligns with the Research Data Management Code of Conduct. The usage has increased along with the inception of Faculty Data Stewards and, more recently, with the Open Science policy release . As of the end of 2023 there have been a total of 450 published datasets.
The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience , along with UNU-MERIT , together share more than 70% of all deposits. Both units have set up a comprehensive workflow for the research data lifecycle.
Overall, the number of published datasets in DataverseNL has a steady average growth of 54% annually including all faculties.
Remarkably, the cumulative total number of downloads is 90,725. The dataset with the most downloads is “Systematic Review of Citation Bias”, published in 2016 with 131 downloads.
Important Features
DataverseNL allows researchers to secure a DOI for datasets. This is also possible when it is a draft deposit; this feature enables dataset reference in publications even during the review process. Our data stewards are responsible for the curation to ensure metadata quality and usage of standard vocabularies. For example, Data Stewards can further recommend using EU Vocabularies, Schema, or others to enhance discoverability.
It is important to note that researchers can deposit restricted datasets, which remain discoverable while locked and protected. Data stewards facilitate access requests to these datasets, ensuring responsible data sharing. Moreover, when Creative Commons licenses are unsuitable, they can help draft tailored terms of use for datasets, meeting specific needs such as educational purposes or journalistic use.
For those interested in the reproducibility of data analysis and workflows, our community has developed resources to facilitate the integration of DataverseNL with other tools. For example, “Uploading Files to DataverseNL using PyDataverse API” is a guide for utilizing Python Notebooks to upload files to DataverseNL, as well as the Notebook for synchronizing Github and Gitlab repositories with DataverseNL.
More information
Open data analysis is available at UB’s Github repository and generic metrics can be found on DANS dataverse metrics.
Should you require more detailed information or assistance, our team can support you via ub-dataverse@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Author: Pedro V Hernández Serrano (Coordinator Data Stewardship Services, Maastricht University Library)
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