At the very beginning of a research project, it is essential to consider research data management. Are there existing datasets available that I can reuse for my research questions? How can I collect, document, store, archive, and publish new research data to ensure their long-term availability, verifiability, and potential reuse? How do I create a data management plan, and what additional requirements (such as those from funding organizations, journal guidelines, etc.) need to be considered?

Addressing these questions from the outset helps prevent uncertainties, reduces the risk of data loss, and saves time as the research project progresses. Research data management extends far beyond purely technical decisions: it must also meet the requirements of good scientific practice and Open Science principles while ensuring compliance with legal regulations and ethical considerations.

Creating a data management plan (DMP) is recommended for every research project and is even a funding requirement for some research funders, particularly Horizon Europe. A DMP outlines how research data will be handled at different stages of the research cycle. The specific topics and questions to consider can be explored using a list of questions we provide. Additionally, the DFG checklist for handling research data, which focuses on the specific requirements of DFG-funded projects, is highly recommended.

To facilitate the creation of a DMP, several freely available tools can be used. One particularly noteworthy tool is the Research Data Management Organiser (RDMO), which provides support in many aspects of research data management—not just in drafting a DMP.

In the final phase of a research project, it is crucial to prepare data for long-term archiving and, ideally, for publication. Decisions must be made regarding suitable file formats for long-term preservation and where the data should be archived. A wide range of disciplinary data repositories and data journals are available for this purpose. Additionally, some journals offer the option to publish research data as a supplement to a research article. In Germany, the “Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur” (NFDI) plays a key role in establishing suitable platforms for archiving and providing access to research data. With repOS, HCU operates an institutional repository for the archiving and publication of research data.

One important goal when making data available is to ensure that both the data and their associated metadata adhere to the FAIR principles: they should be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. To meet all legal and ethical requirements while promoting openness and transparency, the guiding principle is: as open as possible, as closed as necessary.