What are my obligations as a Primary Advisor with regard to records in Research Data JCU for my HDR Candidate’s research project?

Previously, at the completion of their research project, HDR Candidates would usually deposit a copy of their research data with their Primary Advisor. This data would typically be kept in the Primary Advisor’s office or somewhere in a locked cabinet.  It was therefore not unusual for a Primary Advisor to have their past HDR Candidate’s data spanning several years or even decades.

In 2021, JCU introduced a new data management platform, Research Data JCU. This platform ensures information about JCU’s research (data and information) assets is maintained in a central location and helps researchers and JCU satisfy requirements of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Research Data JCU has three metadata records: a RDMP, Data Record and Data Publication. These records capture the data and information requirements for a research project as well as where the data is stored and the conditions and licence requirements under which the data can be shared and reused.

It also ensures responsibilities for data and information which extend long past the life of the research project (e.g., after the HDR candidate has graduated), can be appropriately attributed and maintained including that the data is safely stored and where appropriate, reused and eventually destroyed.

Refer to the section Custodianship Model for Research Data and Information for further information.