Data management best practices & resources

Managing data is an integral part of the research process.  How you manage your data depends on the type of data, how the data is collected, and how the data is used throughout the life of the project.  Effective data management helps you organize your files and data for access and analysis.  It helps ensure the quality of your research and supports the published results of your research.

The remaining pages in this section outline best practices throughout the research lifecycle. To get help with strategies for any part of the lifecycle, consult with us.

Research data management lifecycle. Though the process is generally linear from "Plan & Design" to "Publish & Reuse," you may find yourself jumping around this lifecycle throughout your project.

Research lifecycle stageBest practices and associated resources
Plan and design
Collect and create
Analyze and collaborate
Evaluate and archive
Share and disseminate

Tutorials

For the complete set of available materials for our prior public events and workshops, see the Workshops and events section on the OSF page.

Databases

Data management

Open and reproducible science

Consult with us

Schedule a consultation