Oversight + Review
This section outlines how ECU developed its Research Data Management (RDM) strategy. It highlights the committee members who guided the process, the collaborative consultations that informed the draft and the timeline of activities. It also explains how the strategy will be reviewed and updated in the future.
Oversight
ECU’s RDM Committee that undertook the development of this strategy document was as follows:
- Ruth Beer, Professor
- Hillary Webb, Systems + Technical Services Librarian
- Suzanne Rackover, University Librarian
- Sandeep Sidhu, Chief Information Officer
- Justin Langlois, Interim Associate Vice-President, Research + Dean of Graduate Studies
- Maliheh Oliver, Privacy HR Advisor, Privacy + HR Programs
- Lois Klassen, Research Ethics Board Coordinator
- Leo Vicenti, Assistant Professor
Interested Party Engagement
ECU’s success in research data management depends on collaboration across multiple units on campus.
Discussions on developing an institutional RDM strategy began in August 2022 with representatives from the Library and the Research + Industry Office. In September, the working group expanded to include Information Technology Services, Research Ethics, Faculty and Human Resources (Privacy).
To better understand the current RDM landscape at ECU, a survey was distributed in November 2022 through the Research + Industry Office and the Research Ethics coordinator. The survey asked researchers how data is collected, created and stored, as well as about privacy requirements, interest in open data and knowledge of RDM practices. Two focus groups were also held to gather input and share information.
The draft RDM Strategy was then shared with focus group participants for further consultation.
Next, the strategy will be posted on the ECU website with a mechanism for feedback. The Library and Research Ethics office are also co-authoring a guide on Research Ethics + Conduct, which provides resources on research ethics, Indigenous research ethics, research conduct, research-creation, creative and arts-based research and data management.
Timeline
The committee met monthly between September 2022 and March 2023 to prepare and finalize the strategy, which was also presented to Academic Affairs and the President’s Executive Committee. The committee will also work with the institutional Data Governance committee to align data strategies and the Digital Transformation Council to align policies which pertain to information technology infrastructure for data.
Review
The RDM Committee will meet twice annually to review and update this strategy as required. Membership will be renewed as needed.