RDM refers to the processes applied through the lifecycle of a research project to guide the collection, documentation, storage, sharing and preservation of research data.

A strong RDM strategy will benefit SFU researchers who are working in local, regional, national and international partnerships and collaborations. When properly managed and responsibly shared, research data enable researchers to ask new questions, pursue novel research programs, test alternative hypotheses, deploy innovative methodologies and collaborate across geographic and disciplinary boundaries.

Other funders around the globe are also implementing and strengthening their data management requirements. Recognizing this, the agencies are committed to fostering a robust environment for data management in Canada and internationally, and to ensuring Canadian researchers are well positioned to contribute to, and capitalize on, data-intensive science and scholarship.

The ability to store, access, reuse and build upon digital research data has become critical to the advancement of science and scholarship, assists in the support of innovative solutions to economic and social challenges, and holds tremendous potential for Canada’s productivity, competitiveness and quality of life.