Research data are (digital) data collected during a research project. Types of research data are dependent on the specific research field. They may refer to text, audio and image files, as well as surveys, statistics and measurements.

Research data management is the process of managing this data throughout their life cycle. The life cycle of research data covers:

• planning, including the crucial stage of drawing up a data management plan
• organizing and documenting the data
• data processing and storage during the research process
• compliance with legal and ethical guidelines and standards
• publishing, reusing and archiving the data