ELIXIR Spain: RDM practices and challenges

Node: ELIXIR Spain
Authors: Laura Portell, RDM liaison
Topics: Starting point, Who to involve

The methodology to capture Research Data Management (RDM) practices and challenges within the ELIXIR Spain Node is based on a structured survey distributed to all Node members and groups involved in the Service Delivery Plan (SDP). The survey aims to identify current strengths, gaps, challenges and opportunities related to RDM across the Node. It can be completed either by Principal Investigators (PIs) or by group members who are most familiar with the group’s RDM practices and SDP-related resources.

The survey collects information on the current use of RDM practices, tools and policies as well as the perceived barriers and challenges faced by different groups and institutions. Through this approach, we aim to obtain a representative picture of how research data are currently managed across the Node. The collected information will also help identify differences in maturity levels between groups, ranging from those with established RDM strategies to those at earlier stages of implementation.

Once the survey results are analysed, the information will help identify common trends as well as gaps related to RDM practices across the Node. The results will provide evidence to better understand the level of adoption of RDM practices, detect areas where additional support or coordination may be beneficial and identify opportunities to promote knowledge exchange between groups. In addition, the survey outcomes will help assess the need for tailored training activities or guided materials adapted to different levels of RDM maturity. Overall, the collected information will contribute to informing future actions and strategic decisions aimed at strengthening RDM capacity, harmonising practices and fostering a more coordinated RDM culture within the ELIXIR Spain Node.