Research data is the evidence you create, observe or collect to support your research findings. It forms the foundation of your analysis and conclusions.
Research data can take many forms, such as:
- numerical data from surveys or experiments
- images, video or audio recordings
- interview notes or transcripts
- software, code or models
- artworks or musical scores
- lab notebooks or fieldwork diaries
- measurements, maps or simulations
Research data can be digital or physical, raw or processed. The data may come from your own work or from others’ published sources.
Good research data is the foundation of good research. It should:
- be accurate and well documented
- be stored safely and backed up
- be shared and reused where possible
- follow the FAIR principles
Funders, publishers and the University may require you to manage and share your data. Managing your research data properly helps to make your research more secure, trustworthy, and reusable.
What to do next
Learn more about how to: