Researcher Responsibilities
Researchers may need to adhere to various requirements outlined in data sharing agreements, ethics guidelines, grant funding requirements, McMaster policies, and laws. Some of these obligations may require the use of digital technologies, while others may pertain to proper use.
Though researchers may choose to implement their own solutions, there may be certain pathways where McMaster holds licenses, offers home-grown solutions, or possess stronger support options, and following these pathways can foster efficient and resilient research practices.
Faculty members and research staff should consult with their Faculty IT support unit or Faculty research support when developing their research plan. They can help identify relevant best practices and direct additional support that may save time and money.
It is ultimately the principal investigator (PI)'s responsibility to ensure compliance is maintained, but all members of a research team have a role in abiding by appropriate practices and standards. Students should consult with their research team and supervisor to identify this role.
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: Manager, Research Services
- 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.
McMaster University Policies & Guidelines
McMaster University may require that researchers abide by certain standards or practices relevant to digital research support.
- The University Secretariat provides Policies, Procedures and Guidelines on a variety of topics. Search for research-specific policies by selecting ‘Research’ from the Categories drop-down menu.
- McMaster’s Joint Intellectual Property Policy allows inventors to pursue commercialization on their own or with the assistance of the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO). Regardless, there is an obligation to disclose to MILO to ensure that the institution is meeting all funding obligations by sponsors or government agencies that supported the research.
- McMaster’s Ownership of Student Work Policy pertains to the intellectual property of students.
- Faculties and other organizational units may have additional standards or practices.
Institutional Research Ethics Boards
Research ethics boards may require that researchers abide by certain standards or practices relevant to digital research. Contact your relevant research ethics board for additional guidance.
- Guidance on Data Storage and Security Tools for handling research data
HiREB
- Ethics resource links provide guidelines and resources, including resources on privacy
- Forms and Templates relevant to digital research support, including Video Conference and Consent Guidelines
McMaster Ethics Boards
Tri-Agency Policies
Tri-agency policies may require that grant applicants or recipients abide by certain standards or practices relevant to digital research support.
- The Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications requires that all funded researchers make their peer-reviewed journal articles freely available online within 12 months of publication
- Some grant applications may require Data Management Plans (DMPs), see the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy
- Data deposit is also a forthcoming grant requirement in the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy; journals may also require researchers to share data as part of publishing
- The Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy also stipulates that data related to research by or with Indigenous communities should be managed in accordance with principles developed and approved by these communities
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.
