We provide tailored advice on best practices in research data management (RDM) and guidance on applicable infrastructures and services that meet the specific needs of researchers to optimize the usability, reusability, and reproducibility of their data. Our services help researchers make their data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations during the entire research data lifecycle. As a result, researchers will have a greater impact and outreach.
We help make research data FAIR. This is good for everyone because the FAIR principles should help make the data 'as open as possible and as closed as necessary', as there can be reasons to restrict access to data.
The UMCG Digital Competence Center recently hosted a symposium, and we recorded keynotes during the event.
You can watch the keynotes by visiting the following page:
The FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) are the standard for good research data management and a pillar for practicing Open Science. FAIR data does not equal to open data. The FAIR principles should help make the data ‘as open as possible and as closed as necessary’, as there can be reasons to restrict access to your data. The implementation of FAIR data principles can be challenging, next to the management of the increasing volumes and complexity of research data, researchers must also comply with new or updated legislation and policies, and fulfilling the requirements of funders and publishers. We work together with UMCG departments to create department-specific tailored solutions to become FAIRer.
An effective Data Management Plan will help you in making your data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). It will also serve as a blueprint for all data in the project, not only now, but also following completion of the study. The better the plan, the more likely it will be that your research will run smoothly (through good organization, storage, coding, clear documentation, etc.) and the higher the impact your data can have (e.g., for (re-)use, collaborations, citations) in the future.
In accordance with the UMCG Research Code, a DMP must be drawn up for each new research project and be approved by the principal investigator prior to uploading it to the UMCG Research Register (PaNaMa). The official UMCG DMP template has been approved by the NWO and ZonMw, ensuring that UMCG research projects adhere to the research data management requirements of these funding agencies.
These workshops create an interactive environment where participants are guided through the process of drafting their Data Management Plans (DMPs) and receive practical advice and tips to help clarify the requirements and improve the quality of the plans. Questions and challenges are addressed immediately, allowing for tailored feedback and direct support. This setup fosters a valuable exchange of knowledge and best practices, enabling participants to refine and improve their plans.
The positive feedback confirmed the effectiveness of this approach and highlights the importance of such workshops for the research community. The workshop prepares researchers to create and submit their DMPs and contributes to the overall quality of data management within the UMCG.
An effective Data Management Plan will help you in making your data FAIR. It will also serve as a blueprint for all data in the project, not only now, but also following completion of the study. The better the plan, the more likely it will be that your research will run smoothly (through good organization, storage, coding, clear documentation, etc.) and the higher the impact your data can have (e.g., for (re-)use, collaborations, citations) in the future.
The FAIR Principles are the standard for good research data management and a pillar for practicing Open Science. FAIR stands for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. FAIR data does not equal to open data. The FAIR principles should help make the data ‘as open as possible and as closed as necessary’, as there can be reasons to restrict access to your data. The implementation of FAIR data principles can be challenging, next to the management of the increasing volumes and complexity of research data, the compliance with new or updated legislation and policies, and fulfilling the requirements of funders and publishers. We work together with UMCG departments to create department-specific tailored solutions to become FAIRer.
This e-learning increases the awareness of the various aspects of Research Data and Software Management and FAIR, throughout the whole Research Data Life Cycle. It is applicable for all research within the life and biomedical sciences and it is freely available to anyone interested in learning more about data management. The e-learning is mandatory for PhD students of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) and highly recommended for anyone performing research in the UMCG.
This course focuses on raising awareness among researchers about the regulations surrounding data protection and privacy in research, and their application within the UMCG research environment. In particular, the e-Learning focuses on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and how to apply it in research projects. By following this -course, participants not only gain insights into the legal requirements that apply to their data, but also into the practical steps that are needed to ensure the privacy of research participants. In this way, the quality and integrity of scientific research are also increased.
It is mandatory for all researchers working with human subject data to complete a Privacy in Research (GDPR/AVG) e-learning module provided by the Privacy Working Organisation (PWO).
We have a training program for those wishing to become an Embedded Data Steward (eDS) in their UMCG department. An Embedded Data Steward assists with the management of research data within their department. Depending on departmental decisions, the tasks could involve:
The training program provides in-depth knowledge of the UMCG Research Data Management (RDM) policy, practical experience in conducting DMP consultations, and advanced insights into the available tools and support services.
No prior training in research data management is necessary, but the trainee is preferably someone with an intention to stay at the department for the long term and has an affiliation for working with research data at some level (e.g., research coordinators, data managers, etc.). Each department decides how the function will be fulfilled and how many FTEs will be allocated to it.
We offer tailored presentations on FAIR data management upon request and workshops on specific topics of interest.
Topics for tailored presentations and on-demand workshops:
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Digital Competence Center (DCC)
Postbus 30 001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Digital Competence Center (DCC)
Hanzeplein 1
Entrance 43 UMCG, 7th floor of facilities building 'de Brug'
9713 GZ Groningen
