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Planning research projects

Good planning facilitates the subsequent handling of research data, especially when several project participants work together.

During the planning phase, many decisions can be made with regard to the scientific implementation (e.g. collection, analysis and publication of research data), but also with regard to the technical, legal and project management conditions.

Plan projects

The KKS is the first point of contact for projects in the field of clinical research. The Research Service and Innovation Department is available for projects in the field of non-clinical research. The Technology Transfer Office is specifically responsible for the area of non-clinical contract research and cooperation with industry. The Technology Transfer Office is also the first point of contact for advice on spin-offs and the often related issues of further use of data initially generated at the university.

Data management plan

A data management plan (DMP) structures and describes the handling of data in a scientific project from collection to archiving. It thus helps to plan and oversee the entire research life cycle and to avoid data loss and additional work. For example, DMPs must specify which data is to be generated, who is responsible for organizing, storing and preserving the data and which data is to be made accessible when and how. DMPS are “living” documents, i.e. they can be adapted over the course of a project. At least two versions must always be created for FWF projects. The first version must be submitted when the contract is signed. The second version must be submitted with the final report.

In its research data guidelines, the MUI points out the importance of a DMP; depending on the funding body, the submission of a data management plan is also mandatory.

Ideally, DMPs are available in machine-readable formats and are also stored in a repository for the respective project in addition to the published research data.

DMPs can also be created using tools (DMP online; Data Steward Wizard; Argos). Sample DMPs and instructions for filling them can be found in the Wiki of the Medical University of Innsbruck.

Video instructions

A short introduction to writing a DMP is available from the Ghent University Data Stewards (2020).

Knowledge clip: Data Management Plans (DMPs). Available at: https://youtu.be/GRNsLTQGjCo
License: CC BY 4.0

Training courses

The FSI Academy takes place twice a year. In addition to other research-related topics, training on the FWF data management plan is also offered there. If you are interested, please register via the FSI homepage. In addition, the Research Data Working Group (research-data@i-med.ac.at) also offers individual consultations.

Tips for FWF data management plans

• Find out more about the requirements for open research data on the FWF website: https://www.fwf.ac.at/ueber-uns/aufgaben-und-aktivitaeten/open-science/open-access-policy/open-access-policy-fuer-forschungsdaten. Data management plans must be submitted at least four weeks before the planned start of the project
• Read our training materials or watch the training video for an initial overview.
• Write the DMP in the same language in which you wrote the application. Use the evaluation matrix to help you.
• The DMP is a living document, so at least two versions must be submitted (at the beginning and when the final report is submitted).
• Make your DMP available to others and exchange information within your organizational unit.

Information on legal issues

Legal issues that may arise in connection with the management of research data often overlap with intellectual property law, copyright law, research organization law, service law or data protection law. Many aspects are already regulated in MUI documents.

• Research Data Directive
  The Research Data Management Policy recognizes that easily retrievable and traceable research data is a fundamental and integral part of any scientific research activity.
• Guide to inventions/property rights protection/utilization
• Open Access
• Policy documents
  Other key university documents on the handling of research projects relate, for example, to the handling of third-party funds or the safeguarding of good scientific practice.

Data privacy

Particularly with regard to research data of personal origin, data protection issues can already play a major role in research design. Information on data protection can be found on the website of the Data Protection Coordinator and the Data Clearing House. A guideline for the transfer of personal data to external parties is intended to make it easier for researchers to make their own assessment. For advice from the Data Clearing House, please send the completed application in advance.