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Enhancing longitudinal data sharing: Data management strategies and best practices – Day 1

4 Jun 2024 10:00 am - 2:15 pm
Online
Training
Longitudinal Population Studies
Research data management
Workshop

The Economic and Social Research Council and the Medical Research Council have identified standardised data management procedures with a particular need to focus on wider data sharing as a priority need within the wider Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS) community. These workshops have been funded, developed and are delivered as part of the Population Research UK - Skills Development for Managing Longitudinal Data for Sharing project.

Formatting data, documenting and preparing metadata as well as anonymising data are all prerequisites for better data sharing and reuse. Additionally, without appropriate governance procedures in place, it may be impossible to share data optimally, if at all.

These free to attend two half day workshops have been designed to equip participants from the LPS community and beyond with standardised data management procedures that support wider sharing of data. The workshops aim to enhance the skills of researchers in managing, documenting, curating, and sharing longitudinal research data more effectively.

Covering a range of topics from ethical and legal considerations to practical techniques for data organisation, anonymisation, and documentation, the sessions emphasize adherence to FAIR principles.

Multiple sessions are delivered from June to October. Attendees have the flexibility to choose whatever combination of dates is best suited to their availability, but it is essential to attend Day 1 first, as Day 2 builds on the learning from the initial session.

The Day 1 workshop centres on foundational concepts of research data management, ethical and legal considerations and organising and formatting data. Sessions are available on the following times:

Use the Book Now button to attend Day 1 on Tuesday 4 June 10.00 -14.15. Alternative Day 1 dates are available to book on:

The Day 2 workshop will cover documenting and anonymising data, and best strategies for data sharing. Sessions are available at the following times:

Workshop materials will be provided to participants following completion of Day 2.

Target audience: LPS Data Managers and other Data Managers.

Presenters: Cristina Magder, Hina Zahid, Beate Lichtwardt

Level: Introductory no prior knowledge needed.

Workshop outline

Day 1 consists of sessions 1 to 3 and Day 2 consists of sessions 4 to 6.

  1. Foundational research data management concepts

This 30-minute interactive session delves into foundational concepts of research data management, highlighting its significance and introducing the principles of FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability). Participants will gain insights into effective data management strategies to support FAIR data and enhance research integrity and efficiency.

  1. Ethical and legal considerations in handling longitudinal research data

This 90-minute interactive and comprehensive session aims to provide insights into the ethical and legal considerations that are essential for effective data management. Participants will delve into crucial topics such as handling personal data under UK legislation, maintaining confidentiality and research integrity, data ownership and use, and considerations for data linkages. Through case studies and practical exercises, attendees will gain practical insights to ensure ethical and legal compliance specifically when it comes to managing longitudinal research data.

  1. Strategies and best practices for organising and formatting data

During this 1 hour interactive session, participants will learn and implement best practices for organising and formatting research data to enhance accuracy, accessibility, and long-term usability. Key topics of version control and authenticity, file formats and data conversion, variable formatting, organising files and folders, and the importance of quality insurance will be explored.

  1. Effective methods and practices for documenting data

This 1 hour interactive session introduces the critical role of documenting data and best practices for ensuring that data remains findable and reusable for future research. Different types of documentation, including metadata, will be introduced using quantitative and qualitative data examples. Participants will take away practical guidance for creating good documentation, along with an improved understanding of the importance of documenting data within the whole data lifecycle.

  1. Techniques and guidelines for anonymising data

This 90 minute interactive session introduces principles of data anonymisation in the context of current UK legislation. Practical examples are used to explore anonymisation techniques and best practices. Participants will learn how to prepare both quantitative and qualitative data for broader access while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of data.

  1. Data sharing strategies overview and recommendations

This 45-minute interactive session provides an overview of data-sharing strategies, considering individual advantages and disadvantages and focusing on responsible repositories and the TRUST principles. The session will introduce data licensing and access frameworks, the 5 Safes Framework, and Trusted Research Environments. The attendees will explore recommendations on how to ethically and legally share data, ensuring compliance and maximising research impact.

Learning objectives

  1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of good research data management within the concepts of the data lifecycle and FAIR data principles.
  2. Understand and apply the ethical and legal considerations necessary for handling and working with personal research data to ensure compliance and protect participant privacy.
  3. Learn and implement best practices for organising and formatting research data to enhance accuracy, accessibility, and long-term usability.
  4. Understand how to develop strategies for effective documentation of research data, ensuring that data remains findable and reusable for future research.
  5. Acquire knowledge of anonymisation techniques and best practices to maintain confidentiality and integrity of data while preparing it for broader access.
  6. Understand the role and functionality of responsible repositories and Trusted Research Environments (TREs) and learn how to use these frameworks to provide broader access to data within ethical and legal standards.