Store and Archive Data
Store Your Data
Every research project has a unique set of data storage needs, and there are many options for data storage at McMaster.
Research Data Storage Finder
Explore the Research Data Storage Finder to find data storage and backup providers recommended by the Research Data Management team at McMaster. Researchers can select by risk level, storage space required, collaboration, and more. This tool also describes the security and backup features which can help with ethics applications and revisions. If none of these providers meet your needs or you have questions, please set up a consultation with an RDM specialist.
MREB Data Storage and Security Tools
McMaster Research Ethics Board (MREB) Data Storage and Security Tools provides data storage and security procedures for handling your research data.
Storing Personal Health Information
If you are planning on storing Personal Health Information (PHI) seek explicit guidance from the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HiREB).
Archive Your Data
When your research project is complete, make sure to transition it from active data storage to a more permanent location. Storage devices become corrupted, fail, are lost, or are destroyed. Students may lose access to online storage when they graduate. The best way to preserve important research data is to upload it to a reputable data repository. Go to “Deposit Research Data” to explore options for this.
Before archiving, make sure you tidy your project and future-proof it.
Sustainable File Formats
Make sure you store data long-term in open file formats, since proprietary software can disappear when companies go out of business. Learn more about sustainable file formats.
Documented and Understandable
Save data with appropriate documentation to understand it when you open your files up in five years’ time. This can include a README file, codebooks, data dictionaries, and more. Data should also be organized with understandable file names and folders. Learn more about data documentation.
Even if you’re not able to deposit research data, make sure to future-proof it! Consult with RDM Services on an appropriate location for long-term storage.
Additional Support
Different faculties and departments may offer additional network shared drives. Consult your Faculty IT support unit for additional information.
AskResearch
Email: askresearch@mcmaster.ca
AskResearch is here to support you as a researcher. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or aren't sure where to start, contact us!
Faculty Research Support
Faculties offer different services to support research. To see what services are available, connect with your Faculty’s IT support unit or Faculty research support.
- Faculty of Business: DeGroote School of Business ITS
- Faculty of Humanities: Humanities Media & Computing
- Faculty of Health Sciences: Computer Services Unit
- Faculty of Science: Scitech
- Faculty of Social Sciences: Social Sciences Technology SharePoint (access only available to Faculty of Social Science staff and faculty)
To receive timely support, engage with support services early in the research planning process and maintain communication throughout your projects. Staff and students should also discuss their digital research support roles and responsibilities with their research team and supervisor.
Training
- Strategies for Research Data Storage and Backupa recorded webinar which goes over the different storage platforms available to researchers, their features and drawbacks, and when to choose a particular platform
- Best Practices for Managing Data in your Researchasynchronous learning module which includes a module on data security and storage
Feedback
The Digital Research Kickstarter is a living document that will be refined as we gather more information from users. We encourage and welcome any feedback. Please submit your feedback below or by emailing AskResearch.
