Research Data Sharing and Reuse Through Open Data

Research data management is considered a critical step in the research process among researchers. Researchers are required to submit RDM plans with details about data storage, data sharing, and reuse procedures when submitting research proposals for grants. This chapter presents findings of an investigation into the perceptions and practices of ZARI researchers towards research data management. Mixed methods research using a self-administered questionnaire was adopted for data collection. Fifty-one researchers were sampled and recruited for participation into the study. The study established that the majority of the researchers were not depositing their research data in central repositories; data was kept on individual's devices and was therefore not readily available for sharing. The major challenges being faced by researchers included lack of a policy, lack of a repository, and inadequate knowledge in RDM. The study concludes that research data at ZARI was not being professionally managed. The study recommends for formulation of policies, establishment of repository and staff training.