The RDM Code of Conduct applies to all research staff and students and is aligned with the UM Open Science policy. It supports researchers in managing research data in accordance with the Open Science philosophy “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”, and reinforces UM’s commitment to the FAIR principles by ensuring that data are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. 

The Code provides clear guidance on the responsible handling, storage, preservation, and (where appropriate) sharing of research data across all disciplines and phases of the research lifecycle.

The full, updated RDM Code of Conduct is available via the University Library website.

Changes in this new version 

A short overview of the most important changes is listed below. 

 

  •  The RDM CoC applies to both UM employees and students. We clarified that it is the primary responsibility of the UM supervisor(s) to ensure that students can work according to the regulations in the RDM CoC. (Introduction) 
  • In the previous version of the RDM CoC we also included the FAIR management of software in the RDM CoC since we consider FAIR data and FAIR software to be complementary. In this new version, we have elaborated more on those aspects of data and software management that differ. These include FAIR4RS and other elements of good practice for research software, software management plans, responsible storage of software, and appropriate use of software-specific licenses for open sharing. (Introduction and paragraphs 2, 3, and 8) 
  • A short paragraph on the use and reuse of research data in an AI context has been added, referring to the recently released UM policy framework on AI and the EU AI Act. (paragraph 12) 
  • The Research Project Services (RPS) Platform is now available and we have indicated which faculties can use this service and for which processes (i.e., data (and software) management plans, ethical reviews, and GDPR). FHML researchers are referred to the MUMC+ Data Portal instead of the RPS Platform. (paragraphs 3, 4, and 5) 
  • In paragraph 9 on data property we have clarified that data access requests by UM for compliance or integrity purposes, must adhere to privacy and confidentiality obligations, with the researcher maintaining control over data access. 
  • SURFfilesender is specifically mentioned as the tool to use for sending/sharing data. (paragraphs 7 and 8) 
  • We are still working on providing more guidance for UM researchers on which data storage tools to use under which circumstances and to follow a “comply or explain” route. While this initiative will take longer to implement, a modification in paragraph 8 on data storage and retention has already been added. 
  • URLs in footnotes that were no longer working have been updated. 

Need assistance? 

If you have questions about the updated RDM Code of Conduct or need support with research data management or Open Science, please contact the UM Open Science Officer (Dennie Hebels) or the Chief Open Science (Mariëlle Prevoo) via Ask Your Librarian.