Research data management practices of emerging researchers at a South African research council

Abstract

Management of research data is globally being seen as part of good research practice. As a result of this, funders are increasingly insisting on proof of good research data management (RDM) practices when funding proposals are submitted. This study aimed at establishing the data management practices of emerging researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. With no official RDM procedures currently being implemented at the CSIR, it was hoped that by gaining information about the RDM practices of emerging CSIR researchers, as well as insight into the RDM challenges experienced by them, this researcher would be able to put forward recommendations enabling the establishing of an RDM regime at the CSIR. The study aimed at answering several research questions. The main research question was: How can an organisation like the CSIR ensure that future researchers apply best practices when managing the CSIR’s research data? Five research sub-questions were identified: 1. What are the international RDM requirements, standards, best practices and expectations that are being developed? 2. What data practices need more formalised support: at CSIR, nationally, internationally? 3. What data are collected and held by emerging researchers in the CSIR? 4. What are the current RDM practices and themes among emerging researchers in the CSIR? 5. What are the RDM-related challenges, issues and concerns facing emerging researchers at the CSIR? A total of 48 emerging researchers from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa completed an online survey investigating their RDM practices. RDM practices investigated included the use of data management plans, data storage and backup locations, creation of metadata, metadata standard adherence, and data sharing practices. Challenges faced when managing research data, as well as RDM needs and requirements, also formed part of the survey. Results of the online questionnaire revealed that the RDM practices of the group studied do not show to differ significantly from experienced CSIR researchers, or from researchers studied elsewhere on the globe. Findings enabled this researcher to put forward several recommendations which would assist in the implementing of a formalised RDM structure at the CSIR. Recommendations addressed, but were not limited to: formalization of RDM procedures, RDM marketing, and RDM training.