Research Data Management

Good data management underpins reliable, reproducible, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) science. At ELIXIR-UK, we work to embed good data practices across the life sciences by supporting the people, standards, and tools that enable responsible data stewardship at every stage of the research lifecycle.

Whether you’re a researcher or a data steward/manager, we support you in making research data more valuable and more reusable.

Our work includes:

  • Supporting integration and alignment of national and European efforts, such as BioFAIR and the ELIXIR-wide best practices and communities.
  • Developing and customising DMP templates that align with UKRI and funder expectations, including machine-actionable formats via the Data Stewardship Wizard (DSW)
  • Providing community-led guidance and resources through contributions to RDMkit and the FAIR Cookbook
  • Championing the role of data stewards via initiatives like the Data Stewardship Fellowship and the ELIXIR RDM Community

  • Data Management Planning in life sciences research

    Data Management Plans (DMPs) are a required part of funding applications to UKRI and other major funders. They outline how data will be collected, documented, shared, stored, and preserved — […]

  • Fellowship

    We run a Fellowship programme of ambassadors across the UK embedding, delivering and creating ELIXIR-UK training and fostering a network of data stewards.

The RDM services we support

We also offer visibility and support to RDM-related services as UK Node services.

  • RDMkit

    The RDMkit is a web-based guide containing good data management practices designed to guide life scientists in their efforts to better manage their research data following the FAIR Principles. Developed and managed by people who work […]

  • FAIR Cookbook

    The FAIR principles behind the Cookbook The FAIR principles, which ensure data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable with minimal human intervention, have de facto become a global norm for good data […]

Get involved

The best way to connect with the UK and European data management community is to join our informal monthly UK RDM Club. This open space is a great starting point for researchers, data stewards, data managers or any research technical professionals looking to:

  • Share practices and challenges around data management
  • Learn about national and ELIXIR-wide initiatives
  • Explore opportunities to contribute to guidance, infrastructure or policy

By participating in the RDM Club, you’ll also find routes into the wider ELIXIR Research Data Management Community, where European collaboration shapes the future of FAIR data in life sciences.

  • UK RDM Club

    Welcoming all life sciences data stewards, support staff and researchers interested in RDM, this club meets every month to discuss activities that help researchers manage their data.

  • RDM Community

    Coordinating best practices and overview of ELIXIR resources in RDM in close collaboration with all other Communities and Platforms.