All guides: Research data management: Policies and ethics

RMIT and National guidelines

RMIT policies and procedures

RMIT University researchers are required to comply with the following policies and processes for managing research data:

National codes and statements

RMIT University requires all research to be carried out in accordance with Australian guidelines. In addition, funding bodies within Australia have developed data-sharing requirements:

Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (the 2018 Code) establishes a framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour.
NHMRC Open Access Policy
The NHMRC Open Access Policy is consistent with the Australian Government’s commitment to open access, open data, and intellectual property (IP) management.
NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) - Updated 2018
The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (National Statement (2007) consists of a series of guidelines made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992).
NHMRC Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
The purpose of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) is to promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals used for scientific purposes. It provides guidance for investigators, institutions, animals ethics committees, animal carers and all those involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
ARC Research Data Management
The ARC is committed to maximising the benefits from ARC-funded research, including by ensuring greater access to research data.

ARC and NHRMC Grants

The Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) require research data management plans as part of the application process for grants and fellowships. For information on ARC and NHMRC funding schemes:

General resources for ARC and NHMRC applicants
An article from the RMIT Researcher Portal providing information for grant applicants, including storing data guidelines.

Ethical collection, storage and usage of data

If you plan to carry out research with people, their information or their tissue then you need to have human ethics approval before you start to collect data or recruit participants.

The Australian National Data Service (ANDS) advises on issues to consider when dealing with sensitive data. Some of these are:

If you plan to share the data, make sure you get informed consent for this from the research participants.
Protect people's identities by anonymising data where needed.
Consider controlling access to the data.
Apply for an appropriate license if needed.

Human research ethics
Human research at RMIT University reflects the values of respect, research merit and integrity, justice and beneficence.
Applying for human research ethics (Researcher Portal)
The steps, links, and guidance documents below outline the various processes associated with applying for human research ethics approval and upholding ethical integrity throughout your research projects.
Conducting your research ethically (Researcher Portal)
All RMIT researchers have a responsibility to meet legal ethical obligations and broader ethical obligations to society in the conduct of their research.

Privacy and research data

Privacy is a component of ethical research practice. Privacy legislation provides a set of principles which guides the responsible collection and handling of personal information by organisations, including RMIT University.

Ownership of research data

Ownership of research data can be difficult to determine when the research involves multiple researchers, externally sourced data, funding or contractual agreements. There are factors that influence the ownership of data.

The University – data created whilst employed at RMIT will be owned by RMIT as per RMIT’s IP Policy.

External body, university, or funding body – data created where a contract or agreement has been signed. The terms of the contractual agreement are crucial here. The agreement will contain an Intellectual Property (IP) clause that will detail who owns the intellectual property as a result of the research. Generally, it is the resulting IP (final output) that will be owned by the funding partner. Check the contract to see who owns IP.

Externally sourced data – you didn’t create the data it was sourced from a third party. The data will be owned by a third party. If the data is not clearly licensed under an open license such as Creative Commons, written permission of the owner of the data will be required.

Need help with determining ownership of research data, email: copyright@rmit.edu.au

Library subject guides

Research data management