Managing Your Research Data

Research data management (RDM) covers how you organise, store, preserve, and share the data generated during your research. Good RDM practices improve reproducibility, meet funder requirements, and protect valuable research assets at UNZA.

Data Management Planning

Many research funders require a data management plan (DMP) at the proposal stage. A DMP describes what data you will collect, how it will be stored and backed up, who can access it, and how it will be preserved after the project ends. UNZA Library provides DMP templates and review services for staff and postgraduate researchers.

Best Practices

• Use consistent file naming conventions and folder structures from the start
• Document your data with README files and metadata describing variables and methods
• Store active data on backed-up UNZA network drives or approved cloud services
• Never rely on a single copy — follow the 3-2-1 backup rule
• Consider ethical and legal restrictions before sharing sensitive or personal data
• Deposit final datasets in the UNZA Institutional Repository or an approved data archive

UNZA Data Repository

The library is developing a dedicated research data repository to complement UNZA-IR. Researchers can deposit datasets alongside publications, receive a DOI for citation, and set embargo periods where required. Contact the Research Data Librarian at data@unza.zm for guidance.

Training & Support

RDM workshops are offered each semester through the User Training programme. One-on-one consultations are available for grant applicants and thesis students preparing data chapters.