Doing your research
Managing current data
During your project good Data Management practices include a structured file system, data documentation, documentation of software used, etc. On the pages of this Data Management Support Hub you can find some good practices for managing current data.
Use Git@WUR to manage your source code
Wageningen University & Research has created an environment for researchers to store and collaborate on their source code and statistical models. Visit Git@WUR to get started or visit our support page for more information.
More information:
- Data documentation
- Data confidentiality
- Exchanging data
- File formats
- High Performance Computing
- Manage your source code with Git@WUR
- Organising files and folders
- Storage solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my data from incidental loss?
You can protect your data from incidental loss by using a storage medium that is secure, by making regular backups and by ensuring that the backup of your research data is as independent as possible from the main storage. See Storage solutions for more information.
Where can I store my current research data?
Wageningen University & Research offers different managed storage solutions to securely store your data. You can choose personal or shared storage solutions with backup options. For all additional options see our support page Storage solutions.
Can I get into trouble when my data are stored in the cloud?
Yes. For example, when you store your data files with a cloud service that has its servers located in the US, like Dropbox, you fall within US jurisdition. The US is subject to the Freedom Act. US authorities can demand the details of your account. If you wish to use a cloud storage service, it is better to use SURFdrive. This is a service developed for Dutch educational institutions and has its servers located in the Netherlands. Contact the IT Servicedesk if you would like a SURFdrive account. Note that cloud storage is not suitable for all data types. This depends on the confidentiality level of the data.
How do I ensure that others understand my data?
By documenting your data files you give subtitles to your datasets. What is your data about? Concise and clear data documentation helps you as well as current and future users to understand the context in which your data were collected and increases the chance your data can be found, understood and reused. See our support page Data documentation for more details on how to prepare data documentation.
How do I structurally store my data so that I can find them?
You do this by designing a logical folder structure and consistently applying descriptive files names over time. See Organising files and folders for some best practices. Also, don't forget to add adequate Data documentation to your folders.
Where can I safely store and manage my software source code & scripts?
You can safely store and manage your source code & scripts at Git@WUR. This environment was especially created to store and to collaborate on source code and statistical models built at Wageningen University & Research. Visit our support page 'Managing your source code' for more information.
Where can I get huge computer power to analyse my data?
Wageningen University & Research has a High Performance Computer facility. The HPC can be used for variety of research applications within the domain of the life sciences. Are you interested in using the HPC? Have a look at the service page High Performance Computing Cluster (HPC) for more information.
How can I access my data files when I'm not on campus?
If you use the managed storage services of Wageningen University & Research, you can access your files through MyWorkspace. For more information, see the pages on intranet.
How can I securely exchange/collaborate on my research data with others inside and outside WUR?
The exact solution depends on several factors:
- Who needs access to your research data and from where?
- What is the confidentiality classification of your research data?
- Do you just want to transfer data or do you wish to collaborate?
Depending on your answers we offer project or department shares through the W drive, through the creation of a Team site or through the use of the FTP-service. See 'Exchanging data' to choose the option that best fits your needs.
To collaborate on source code, Wageningen University & Research has developed Git@WUR.
What do I do if someone else wants my data? Do I have to provide access before publication?
No. According to the verifiability principle of The Code of Conduct for Academic Practice whenever research results are published, it is clear what the data and conclusions are based on, where they originate from and how they can be verified.