What is Research Data?
Research Data consists of the recorded material used to generate, validate, replicate, reconstruct, and/or evaluate research findings. Research Data is produced by both quantitative and/or qualitative research and scholarship, from the humanities to the social, natural, and applied sciences.
Refer to USU Policy 4107: Research Data for a more complete definition of Research Data.
Research Data vs. Institutional Data
Research Data, while generally owned by USU, is distinct from Institutional Data, which is information managed by USU in support of academic, research, administrative, or operational functions.
Refer to USU Policy 5200: Information Security and Appropriate Use for a more complete definition of Institutional Data and its proper use.
Managing Research Data at USU: Guidelines for Researchers
Review USU Research Data Policy and Procedure
To effectively manage the ownership, sharing, and retention of Research Data produced at USU, employees and students should refer to USU Policy 4107: Research Data, and the accompanying Procedure 4107-PR1: Research Data Stewardship.
Review your Project for Data Management Requirements
Many projects, especially those funded by a federal agency or other outside sponsor, feature specific data management requirements, like creating a data management plan and providing open access to the project data.
Review your Project for Research Data Compliance Requirements
Some research data carries special requirements surrounding its collection, storage, or use. This data often requires USU meet certain compliance standards or certifications.
Researchers should contact their assigned contact in the Sponsored Programs Office if their sponsored project requires any form of research data compliance, such as for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and related standards or certifications, like NIST SP 800-171 and DoD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
See the CUI Guide for USU PIs for more information on CUI, NIST SP 800-171, or CMMC.
Access USU Libraries’ Research Data Services
USU Libraries maintains the Research Data Services at USU Libraries LibGuide for information on creating data management plans, organizing and storing research data, and sharing research data.
USU researchers funded by federal awards should review the Federal Agency Open Access Updates LibGuide for guidance on federal open access publication and research data sharing policies.