Research Data Storage

Don't risk your research project by risking your data. Use UTS endorsed solutions for your active research data. eResearch takes factors such as security, legal jurisdiction and legislative compliance into account when recommending storage platforms ('workspaces') for research data. In general, the more risks involved in your research, the more important it is that you use a recommended workspace to ensure that you are mitigating those risks.

The table below allows you to compare the security, backup and other features of each solution. You will need a research data management plan (RDMP) in Stash to be provided with these services, so we know how you want your data managed.

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Notes

  • Determining the data classification: follow this guide to determine the classification of your research data. Different storage options are suitable for various classes of data.
  • Backing up research data: keep a master version of the data. Create a working copy to carry out any irreversible operations (e.g. cleaning or transforming data). Alternatively, use file versioning, so that you can revert to an earlier version.
  • Encryption at rest, an encryption measure that protects stored data by encrypting it when it is persisted on storage devices, is not available for eResearch Storage, which might bring some risks. However, researchers can still use it for storing confidential and sensitive data provided that they acknowledge the awareness of the risks.
  • Requesting SharePoint: please submit your application via this "ServiceConnect form". If requested by HDR students, the lead CI (commonly the supervisor) should be listed as Primary Owner #1, and the data manager (commonly the HDR student) should be Primary Owner #2. If you are storing confidential data, please select the "Confidential" drop down to apply for the setup of Secure SharePoint sites.
  • If you don't see a suitable solution on this page, please contact us to explain your needs.

Storage Solutions

Generic statements for communications about data management and storage to partners

Often when working with partner institutions or corporations, it is necessary to communicate the current data management approach for a research project. While Research Data Management Plans are designed to be self-descriptive, we've also prepared some generic statements you can provide to give context for both RDMPs and data storage when utilising the "eResearch Storage":

  • Research Data Management Plans: Data collected by this project will be stored in accordance with the project's Research Data Management Plan (RDMP). This RDMP lists the location of the data, who will have access to the data and how long the data will be kept for. The RDMP is stored in a UTS internal system (Stash) and is available upon request to the data manager if you wish to review it.

  • eResearch Storage: The data associated with this project will be stored in the 'eResearch Storage' at UTS. This is a secure network storage facility hosted by UTS, so all data will be stored within NSW. It includes access restrictions to UTS personnel (as described in the associated RDMP), redundant copies of data and off-site encrypted access. This facility has been approved by the university as appropriate for sensitive and confidential data, and has features to allow for the recovery of data and removal of access if necessary.