Advancing open and impactful research, one dataset at a time
Researcher Tyler Meng studies glaciers in different planetary bodies.
The research data repository (ReDATA) includes non-traditional datasets that span a variety of disciplines and topics at the University of Arizona.
From health sciences, earth sciences, and engineering, to business, humanities, and beyond, the repository makes it easy for researchers, faculty, students, staff, and the public to explore and access data in just a few steps. Every dataset is carefully preserved in the data repository for a minimum of 10 years, ensuring long-term access and impact.
Nearly 160 researchers and scholars have published datasets in ReDATA since the University Libraries launched the service five years ago this month.
This is the last story in a four-part series celebrating ReDATA’s anniversary.
As a doctoral candidate in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in the U of A College of Science, researcher Tyler Meng studies glaciers in different planetary bodies.
"ReDATA provided a user-friendly, long-term solution for archiving the data and code produced through my PhD research at the University of Arizona.” said Meng.
Meng's research datasets focus on the geophysical measurement and monitoring of changing rock glaciers and debris-covered glaciers on Earth and Mars. Data and Code for "Effects of rock glacier dynamics on surface morphology and deformation” is one recent example of his archived datasets.
Associate Specialist in Research Data Management Fernando Rios, and Data Repository Specialist Hafeez Adepoju, who provide the ReDATA services and expertise, consult with researchers like Meng every day. They are ready to answer questions that are specific to the University of Arizona, deliver training sessions about the repository, and help users save time by assisting them with institutional policy compliance, improving data organization, and creating more complete metadata and documentation.
Register for the next ReDATA training session on November 6.
ReDATA stands out because it can archive larger data deposits than public repositories at no cost to users and guarantees that data will be available for researchers, scholars, and the public to access.
With 335 datasets already archived, the repository continues to grow as a hub for research excellence. Meng’s experience highlights how easy and rewarding it is to work with Rios and Adepoju.
“Not only has ReDATA given me an open-access option for licensing, storing, and citing these datasets, but the thorough review conducted by the repository specialists has ensured that these archives are accessible and properly documented for any potential future users."
Contact the ReDATA team at data-management@arizona.edu to join us in advancing open and impactful research.