Every dataset needs a destination — you’ve got your data, processed it, completed your analysis and published the paper, but what do you do with the data now? Storing it in a robust and reliable data repository supports reproducibility of your results and can help to meet funder or other requirements around retention. But with hundreds of repositories out there, how do you pick the right one? Delivered by a Research Data Steward from UCL, this practical, workshop-style STEP-UP course takes researchers and research support professionals through the whole decision process: discovering candidate repositories with re3data.org, comparing access policies and licensing, checking sustainability and certifications like CoreTrustSeal, learning from peer practice, and making early contact with repository managers. You'll leave with a completed comparison matrix and a clear, documented rationale for your data management plan. Ideal for anyone starting to think about data archiving — the earlier, the better!"

Course Overview

This course will guide researchers and research support professionals through the process of selecting an appropriate long-term repository for their research data, ensuring longevity, accessibility, and compliance with funding and institutional requirements.

This course is designed to be delivered in a workshop format with a mix of instructor presentation and individual/group exercises.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the benefits of planning for data archiving
• Identify and evaluate potential repositories using popular tools
• Assess repository policies, sustainability, and certifications
• Make informed decisions based on peer practices and community standards
• Understand the benefits of early contact with repository managers

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of research data management principles
• Familiarity with your own discipline’s data types and formats

Estimated Time: We will be piloting this course with a relaxed 2hr + 2hr in-person format, including lunch.