RDM Tools

RDM tools refer to software that is designed to help researchers effectively manage their data throughout the research process. VU Amsterdam offers tools for data collection, analysis, storage and archiving. There are also decision-making tools to help researchers choose the best solution for their situation.

Watch the video that shows several tools offered and supported by VU Amsterdam to help you optimise your research process. If you are experiencing data-related challenges, please know you are not alone! Read the stories from other researchers regarding how they handled their data, and the support they received.

Need help from the IT department? Look for answers on the service portal: IT area.

Data collection

To ensure good results, it is important to define clear objectives and methods, and minimise errors. Being systematic in your data collection, by, for example, designing a data collection protocol, creating an adequate file and folder system, and deciding on metadata and ontologies to use, will also help you to comply with FAIR principles. If you are working with personal data, then any decision about pseudonymization/anonymization, and (timing of) data sharing, must be considered when you create the informed consent form.

VU Amsterdam offers several tools for data collection, such as Transcription Online and Amberscript.

Data storage

Selecting a data storage solution involves considering factors such as data volume, security, accessibility and cost. A tool, VU Amsterdam’s RDM Storage finder, can help you find optimal storage that suits your needs.

The costs of the storage solutions endorsed by the University will vary depending on the data volume; some options will be free of charge, and some will require payment. Please inform yourself on the costs of e.g. Yoda, OSF, Research Drive and Dataverse.

For storing large amounts of research data, VU offers the storage service SciStor (Storage for Scientists). SciStor can be used from any VU workplace and, via tools, also from home or on the go. The access rights set in consultation determine which person can access which data. If desired, the data can be made a regular automatic backup. SciStor is offered at an attractive rate and is an excellent alternative to USB drives or other consumer storage systems.

Metadata & documentation

Metadata and documentation are information about the dataset, including the field, methodology and process of collection. This information helps researchers understand the data as well as its significance and relevance.

Documentation is crucial for interpreting the data accurately and conducting analyses. Together, they are crucial for ensuring that the data is FAIR.