Preserving and publishing data

It’s easier than you think, you can follow these resources:

• The FAIR principles explained

Video credits: Martínez-Lavanchy, P.M., Hüser, F.J., Buss, M.C.H., Andersen, J.J., Begtrup, J.W. (2019). ‘FAIR Principles’. In: Holmstrand, K.F., den Boer, S.P.A., Vlachos, E., Martínez-Lavanchy, P.M., Hansen, K.K. (Eds.), Research Data Management (eLearning course). doi: 10.11581/dtu:00000049

• The adoption of the FAIR principles in terms of 6 RDM processes

Why it’s important:

• Licences inform users about permissible uses. For example, a license once prevented a commercial entity from monetizing a public research dataset.
• Licences act as a legal fingerprint. For instance, a researcher could prevent the unauthorized adaptation of their dataset in secondary usage.

Consider:

• Familiarizing with licenses like Creative Commons and Data Commons.
• DANS licenses
• Ultimately, it’s your data you decide what are the terms you want people to use.

Why it’s important:

• Makes data discoverable and understandable: for example, a researcher from a different field can easily grasp the insights of a dataset if it’s well-documented and has good metadata.
• Prevents misuse or misunderstanding: for example, a well-documented dataset on plant extracts prevented a toxicology error in a subsequent research project.

Consider:

• Opting for standardised metadata formats, like Dublin Core or DDI. 
• Describing every dataset component: variables, units, sources.
• Use of non-proprietary formats such as .csv, .txt, .json. 
• UM RDM Code of Conduct (available soon).
• MUMC+ guides 

Why it’s important:

• Ensures longevity and discoverability.
• It boosts academic recognition: datasets, are discoverable in scholarly aggregators (e.g. SCOPUS) when they are deposited in recognized repositories.
• It is compliant with security recommendations.
• The dataset gets a unique identifier (DOI).

Consider:

• Compare data repositories in your domain with repositories offered at UM. 
  • DataverseNL, MDR, DANS data stations, etc.
  • Note that DataverseNL offers a demo website for those who want to become familiar with the platform.
  • Think of advantages and disadvantages of Zenodo and OSF.
• Checking repository compliance with Article 11 of the UM Code of Conduct (available soon).

Why it’s important:

• Databases and APIs can significantly enhance research accessibility and efficiency. For instance, complex research might benefit from a database, streamlining data access and analyses.
• However, while they offer numerous advantages, they also come with some risks in terms of security and data privacy.
• Nonetheless, they promote collaboration. A well-documented database or API can enable global researchers to swiftly engage with your data, boosting collaborative efforts, while keeping the overview of who access and when.
• Still, having a database assumes that it is hosted on a server. Thus, it requires maintenance.

Consider:

• Having a database or an API for research data is the most efficient way to ensure compliance and have an overview of data access. Yet, it might not always be the solution. Evaluate if your research project genuinely demands it.
• Local ICT faculties might offer hosting but be aware of the inherent responsibilities. Self-hosting can increase risks if not properly managed.
• A database, especially with a public IP, demands security measures. Even minor oversights can lead to significant breaches.
• FAIR Principles: while platforms like https://smart-api.info/ can help make your API more FAIR, ensure that the data you’re making findable and accessible doesn’t infringe upon privacy regulations.