About Research Data Management

Monash University is a recognised leader world-wide and in Australia for efforts to improve the management of the data generated by and used for research.

The University’s success can be attributed to a number of factors, which define the approach taken at Monash University and distinguish it from the approaches that may be taken by other institutions:

• Senior management of the University recognises the importance of research data management and has invested in this area for more than five years. Research data management has received a higher priority at Monash University than in any other Australian university.
  
  
• Research data management has been treated as a multi-faceted issue requiring a university-wide effort, collaborative approaches and a strong sense of shared responsibility.
  
  
• Research data is defined broadly and principles are articulated, as much as possible, in format-agnostic ways. Data is produced and consumed in a variety of formats, including digital, print and physical, and the institution recognises that all formats need to be managed.
  
  
• Although technology, standards and stakeholder requirements are constantly changing, Monash University has decided to be a leader and early adopter. This involves a range of ‘best practice’ and ‘best effort’ activities that aim to practically and incrementally improve how research data is managed. Being a leader involves sharing information, expertise and tools with other organisations to build national capability, not just through the lead agent role in the Australian National Data Service (ANDS), but also as an institution.

Research data management infrastructure is seen as an essential platform for twenty-first century research. The University seeks to balance the efficiencies that come from a well-managed portfolio of standardised tools with researchers’ requirements for flexible and innovative solutions that support research, and does not adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach.