Dr Katarzyna Świerk, UG Representative for Open Access to Publications and Research Results; photo by Alan Stocki
The University of Gdańsk has adopted a Research Data Management Policy, which is an important step towards transparency, quality and accountability in scientific research. Along with the document, a guide for researchers has also been published, developed by the Research Data Management and Open Science Department of the University of Gdańsk Library.
‘The guide for researchers was created as a practical tool to support the implementation of the Policy,’ says Agnieszka Wasilewska, head of the Research Data Management and Open Science Department. ‘The aim of the guide is to streamline the research data management process, which is why we have included specific guidelines, necessary instructions and good practices for the entire data life cycle.’
The new Policy regulates the rules for the collection, storage, sharing and archiving of research data produced by employees, doctoral students and students of the University of Gdańsk. The document contains, among other things, guidelines for the creation of Data Management Plans (DMPs), recommendations for the application of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), and promotes the open sharing of data related to scientific publications in accordance with international standards.
The policy also supports the idea of Open Science and is in line with European and national initiatives promoting open access to knowledge. Its assumptions are consistent with the documents in force at the University of Gdańsk, including the Open Access Policy and the Personal Data Protection Policy.
‘Thanks to the introduction of the Policy, the University of Gdańsk is strengthening its position as a modern and responsible institution. The policy is our voice in the ongoing global discussion on opening up research data. Disclosing the data on which we have based our research results is crucial for reliable science,’ comments prof. dr hab. Wiesław Laskowski, Vice-Rector for Research.
‘Research data management is not only an obligation towards research funding institutions, but also an expression of scientists’ responsibility towards society,’ adds dr Katarzyna Świerk, UG Representative for Open Access to Publications and Research Results. ‘Opening up research data allows it to be used in new projects, which accelerates the development of science and increases its effectiveness. It allows for better use of public funds allocated to science,’ she explains.
The published guide provides practical support for researchers, containing detailed instructions on how to create a DMP, select an appropriate data repository, and ensure data storage, security and quality. It also includes an overview of tools to help with data management and information on platforms such as Open Science Framework (OSF), which enable the organisation and deposit of research data.
The full text of the Research Data Management Policy and Research Data Management - a guide for researchers is available at: