Dealing with Data
This Report explores the roles, rights, responsibilities and relationships of institutions, data centres and other key stakeholders who work with data. It concentrates primarily on the UK scene with some reference to other relevant experience and opinion, and is framed as “a snapshot” of a relatively fast-moving field. It is strategically positioned to provide a bridge between the high-level RIN Framework of Principles and Guidelines for the stewardship of research data, and practitioner-focussed technical development work1. For ease of cross-reference, the number(s) of the relevant RIN Principle(s) are given against each of the recommendations.
Methodology
- a consultation workshop
- a number of semi-structured interviews with stakeholder representatives
It is set within the context of the burgeoning “data deluge” emanating from e-Science applications, increasing momentum behind open access policy drivers for data, and developments to define requirements for a co-ordinated e-infrastructure for the UK. The diversity and complexity of data are acknowledged, and developing typologies are referenced.
The synthesis of the collated findings is presented in eight major categories: Co-ordination and Strategy, Policy and Planning, Practice, Technical Integration and Interoperability, Legal and Ethical Issues, Sustainability, Advocacy, and Training and Skills.