Data Storage - Completed Data

The master copy used in the active stage of your research project will generally be the version of your research data that you archive as completed data. It is important to retain completed data for a minimum period (refer to Data Retention) so as to enable the results of your research to be validated or (possibly) replicated.

Generally, it is only necessary to retain the records of your data sufficient to support validation and/or replication of results. (NB. Long-term or permanent storage of large data sets is likely to require additional funding, and this should be considered when making funding applications, etc.) It is also possible in some cases to store completed data in a public and trusted generalist or subject-specific data repository (such as GenBank or PANGAEA) -- in these cases you should still submit a Data Record in Research Data JCU to distinguish and facilitate access to your work.

Consider the following criteria when making your decision about retaining your research data and information:

• Uniqueness and non-replicability;
• Reliability, integrity, and usability;
• Relevance to a known research initiative or collection;
• Community, cultural or historical value; and
• Economic benefit.

Please contact us via researchdata@jcu.edu.au to discuss storage of your completed data and we will advise you of the most complaint JCU storage option available.