This paper details initial results from of the iFrame Project – an investigation into support for research data management in Irish Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) receiving public funds. The research investigated the way RPOs supported research across three areas of practice: the Policies, Procedures and Documentation, the Technological Environment and Infrastructure and the Human Capacity. Each area was considered in terms of the stages of the research data lifecycle and a Capability Maturity Model index was determined. Additionally, qualitative information was gathered and will inform the framework and the final report.

The paper provides a summary of the results from the study. Across all RPOs, practice is heterogeneous – the best supported stage of the lifecycle is the disseminate stage with evaluate receiving the least support. The area of human capacity provides the best support.

The research has enabled us to identify instances of good practice that can be used to faciltate enhanced practice across all areas of support and all stages of the life cycle. We will provide a brief overview of some of these.