A Workflow for Research Data Management (RDM): Aligning the Management of Research Data

Presenter: Gail Birkbeck

Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University College Dublin

Abstract

RDM ensures the story of a researcher’s data collection process is organised, understandable and transparent and data management plans (DMPs) have emerged as the expected way to demonstrate an intent to manage data to an extent that it can be shared. Increasingly required by funding organisations preparing a DMP has become a core component of the research process. However, it appears that the potential of DMPs is not being realised and it’s unclear whether DMP completion results in better managed and more shared data. There is a focus on the document and not the execution, as they are often created before a study has begun. With the aim of providing a more practical and intuitive RDM guide, a workflow for managing active research data was developed. Based on the reflective analysis of an embedded research data steward in an international study, the workflow considers the entire research project lifecycle, aligning the RDM jobs-to-be-done with researchers’ usual practices and behaviours. RDM in-action and the decisions researchers are faced with is in short supply. This workflow attempts to address this with guidance on how data management is performed, and the specific actions required to ensure data can be shared.

About

Gail Birkbeck is a research and evaluation professional with over 30 years’ experience in commissioning, designing, and monitoring multi-years programmes in Ireland and internationally. Gail was formerly Head of Strategic Learning and Evaluation at The Atlantic Philanthropies for 13 years where she was responsible for the design and implementation of their evaluation and learning strategy. More recently, she acted as Research Data Coordinator on the UCD Centre for Disability Studies’ HRB COVID-19 study: a global survey exploring family members’ and paid staff’s perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Lecturing occasionally, Gail is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor with the School of Psychology, UCD. She is also completing her doctoral studies in the area of research data management, a topic that has weaved its way through many facets of her career.