Mapping Research Data at the University of Bologna

Abstract: Research data management (RDM) strategies and practices play a pivotal role in adhering to the paradigms of reproducibility and transparency by enabling research sharing in accordance with the principles of Open Science. Discipline-specificity is an essential factor when understanding RDM declinations, to tailor a comprehensive support service and to enhance interdisciplinarity. In this paper we present the results of a mapping carried out to gather information on research data generated and managed within the University of Bologna (UniBO). The aim is to identify differences and commonalities between disciplines and potential challenges for institutional support. We analyzed the data management plans (DMPs) of European competitive projects drafted by researchers affiliated with UniBO. We applied descriptive statistics to the collected variables to answer three main questions: How diverse is the range of data managed within the University of Bologna? Which trends of problems and patterns in terms of data management can influence/improve data stewardship service? Is there an interdisciplinary approach to data production within the University? The research work evidenced many points of contact between different disciplines in terms of data produced, formats used and modest predilection for data reuse. Hot topics such as data confidentiality, needed either on privacy or intellectual property rights (IPR) premises, and long-term preservation pose challenges to all researchers. These results show an increasing attention to RDM while highlighting the relevance of training and support to face the relatively new challenges posed by this approach.