Data Bites
Your Research Data Management Refresher
News bites about important research data management principles that connects researchers to helpful practical resources. Data Bites is a regular feature in Compass.
Compass Issue 24 – December 5, 2024
How to Prevent Data Loss
How Can Data Loss Occur?
While data can be lost through malicious interference or attack, it is most commonly caused by simple human error or a system failure. While the hope is that our data will always be there for us, a good backup strategy will help to minimize such loss and allow you to recover faster to carry on your research.
Strategies for Preventing Data Loss
A simple and effective backup strategy for preventing against data loss is commonly known as the 3-2-1 strategy.
You should have at least
3 copies of your data.
3 Copies
Improve resiliency by storing your backups on at least 2 different storage mediums. For example, 1 backup hosted in the cloud and 1 backup on an external drive.
2 Mediums
Don’t keep all of your backups in close proximity to each other, as a fire, flood or natural disaster could render them all unusable.
1 Off-site
Your divisional or departmental IT staff are a fantastic resource regarding what tools, techniques and services might already be available to you to backup your data. Otherwise, the University’s Information Security Handbook provides practical how-tos on developing a backup strategy and backing up your data.
Securing and Maintaining my Backups
Remember that your backups are a copy of your data and intellectual property, therefore it is essential that just as you encrypt your working data that you encrypt your backups as well.
Having access to a working backup when you need it could be the difference between marginal inconvenience and the irrecoverable loss of years of work. It’s important to periodically test your backups by recovering from them and ensuring that they are usable.
Compass Issue 23 – October 3, 2024
Data Management Plan (DMP)
Creating Your Data Management Plan (DMP)
A Data Management Plan (DMP) is more than just a requirement—it’s a helpful tool for keeping your research organized and on track.
A DMP is a formal document that outlines how you will handle your research data throughout your project, covering everything from storage and security to sharing and preservation. It helps ensure your data is well-organized, easy to find, and secure, reducing the risk of pitfalls like data loss or duplication.
Why Bother with a DMP?
Think of it as your guide to making smart decisions about your data. It helps you plan for challenges, estimate resource needs, and keep your research team aligned. Plus, a solid DMP can make your life easier when meeting funder requirements. In fact, major funding agencies, including the Tri-Agencies, are starting to request a DMP as part of grant applications.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Visit the DRI Portal and The University of Toronto Libraries’ RDM website to take the first step toward a smoother research process and ensure your DMP meets both your project needs and funder expectations. You can also use the DMP Assistant, a free collaborative tool that provides customized templates and guidance. Or check out the McMaster Data Management Plan Database to see a variety of example DMPs.
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Questions?
Please email cris@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
