Case studies

Research Data Management Policy Implementation Pilot

Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

Focusing on achievable steps and simple solutions provided a way forward for the Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences in implementing the Monash University Research Data Management Policy and Procedures, and simultaneously addressed some of the critical issues faced by researchers around managing their research data.

Preliminary steps centred attention on raising awareness, and the establishment of governance structures to meet the existing and upcoming needs of researchers.

A snapshot of outcomes so far

The policy implementation pilot has resulted in small but significant steps, not the least, faculty-led training and cultural change manifested in a drive for continued improvement in research data management practice. Other outcomes include:

  • Formation of a faculty-level Research Data Management committee, including two sub-groups to address:
    • Digital storage
    • Protocols for file structures and naming
  • Procedures mapped to local practices identifying current good practices, areas for improvement, and priorities
  • Central storage for research data, with the provision of ‘staging posts' and overnight transfer to LaRDS
  • A shared network drive (R) with articulated file structures and naming protocols for funded projects:
    • ‘Admin support' folder for grant/award letter/checklist 
    • ‘Admin research' folder for storage of ethics data

Pharmacy case study - read more

PhD student scenarios

Student case scenarios are a useful tool for generating discussion; providing insight and perspective on relatable situations, such as those experienced by HDR students when managing their research data.

The following scenarios can strengthen practical thinking and effectively illustrate some of the pain points around the research process related to data management: