SURF Research Drive is a secure, GDPR-compliant platform that replaces the on-premises SharePoint VRE. 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. SURF Research Drive offers a solution that combines both. 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
Your data stays within the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with national and European regulations. SURF Research Drive is fully GDPR-compliant, making it suitable for sensitive and personal data. This means you can focus on your research without worrying about privacy risks or legal complications.
Collaboration without barriers
Research is rarely a solo effort. With SURF Research Drive, you can easily collaborate with UM colleagues and external partners through SURFconext and eduID. No more juggling multiple tools or sending files via email—everyone works in the same secure environment.
Reliability and peace of mind
Accidental deletions or version conflicts can derail a project. SURF Research Drive includes versioning and recovery features, reducing the risk of data loss and ensuring that your work remains intact throughout the research life cycle.
Structured storage for complex projects
Whether you’re working with imaging data, video recordings, experimental results, or large survey datasets, SURF Research Drive provides the structured, high-capacity storage you need during the active phase of your research.
Benefits for your workflow
SURF Research Drive is more than just storage—it’s a tool designed to simplify research collaboration and data management:
- Generous capacity: Each project receives enough for most research needs.
- Role-based access: Define who can view, edit, or manage data with fine-grained permissions, ensuring clarity and security in team roles.
- Persistent project environments: Avoid fragmentation across faculties and keep your team’s work organised in one shared, secure space.
- No IT-expertise required, it works like a familiar drive interface.
- Fully aligned with the UM Research Data Management Code of Conduct
Who can use it?
UM researchers, PhD candidates, master’s students (with approval), and support staff. External collaborators can be invited with proper approval.
Getting Started with Surf Research Drive
- Submit a request to the Library’s Research Drive support team (use the form on the right).
- Your project environment will be set up quickly following faculty approval.
- Support: Data Stewards and the University Library are available to support you throughout the process.
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