Open Science: research data management principles and practices

Registration open only to students in year I and II of their PhD

Goal: research data, if properly collected, managed and stored, are a valuable asset for those who produce them, for their institution and for the scientific community as a whole. It is therefore essential for PhD students to have the tools to manage data responsibly, to conduct research transparently and increase its impact.

During this module we will reflect on the importance of research data and on the most suitable methods to manage them in different disciplinary fields and according to Open Science principles and practices.

Learning objectives:

  1. Become familiar with the language: what are Open Science, Research Data Management, FAIR principles?
  2. Reflect on the concept of data as asset to be valued and preserved: what are the advantages of a correct data management?
  3. Understand the cornerstones of research data management: what are the necessary steps? What are the tools and services offered by the University?
  4. Learn how to use a “Data Management Plan” during a research project.

 

Programme:

Module 1 – “Research Data and Research Data Management (RDM)” 11/02/2025, 9.30 - 12.30

  1. Introduction to Open Science and to the international context (research evaluation, dissemination, etc.);
  2. Data: what are they and why are they valuable;
  3. Introduction to research data management and FAIR principles;
  4. The research data lifecycle in detail, focusing on tools and best practices for storage and deposit;
  5. Repositories and long-term preservation of research data;
  6. Introduction to the Data Management Plan (DMP).

 

Module 2 – “Managing and preserving personal data” 14/02/2025, 9.30-11.30

Lecture by privacy experts on: Managing and preserving personal data in line with European and Italian legislation on privacy

Module 3 – “The Data Management Plan (DMP): a useful tool in research” 18/02/2025, 9.30-12.30

Practical workshop

  1. The DMP: what is it and what role does it play in research;
  2. How to write a DMP and what to include in each section.

Each participant will write the DMP of their PhD project independently, starting from a template and with the support of the instructors, who will be available to answer questions throughout. At the end of the workshop, on their own time, each participant will have to complete the first draft of their DMP, which will be evaluated during Module 4.

Module 4 – “Discussion and evaluation” 07/03/2025, 9.30 -12.30

Participants will self-assess their work and discuss with other participants key strategies for managing data and writing a DMP, as well as the main challenges encountered. Contextually, the DMP will be used by the instructors to evaluate the level of understanding of the topics covered during the course.

Registration open only to students in year I and II of their PhD 

Mode of teaching: online
Duration in hours: 10 hours
Available places: 100 participants
Dates: 11/02/2025, 9.30 - 12.30, 14/02/2025, 9.30-11.30, 18/02/2025, 9.30-12.30, 07/03/2025, 9.30 -12.30
Language of the course: English
Instructors: Sara Coppini, Bianca Gualandi, Francesco di Tano for Module 2     
Doctoral Credits: 1 doctoral credit.