Open Science: Research data management principles and practices

Registration open only to students in year I and II of their PhD

Aim

Research data, if properly collected, managed and stored, are a valuable asset for those who produce them, for their institution and for the scientific community as a whole. It is therefore essential for PhD students to have the tools to manage data responsibly, to conduct research transparently and increase its impact.

During this module we will reflect on the importance of research data and on the most suitable methods to manage them in different disciplinary fields and according to Open Science principles and practices.

Registration open only to students in year I and II of their PhD.

Learning objectives

  1. Become familiar with the language: what are Open Science, Research Data Management, FAIR principles?
  2. Reflect on the concept of data as asset to be valued and preserved: what are the advantages of a correct data management?
  3. Understand the cornerstones of research data management: what are the necessary steps? What are the tools and services offered by the University?
  4. Learn how to use a “Data Management Plan” during a research project.

Course contents

Module 1 – “Research Data and Research Data Management (RDM)” - 03/03/2026, 9.30 - 12.30, online, lecture on:

  • Introduction to Open Science and to the international context (research evaluation, dissemination, etc.);
  • Data: what are they and why are they valuable;
  • Introduction to research data management and FAIR principles;
  • The research data lifecycle in detail, focusing on tools and best practices for storage and deposit;
  • Repositories and long-term preservation of research data;
  • Introduction to the Data Management Plan (DMP).

Module 2 – “Managing and preserving personal data” 12/03/2026, 9.30 - 11.30, online, lecture by privacy experts on:

Managing and preserving personal data in line with European and Italian legislation on privacy

Module 3 – “The Data Management Plan (DMP): a useful tool in research” 19/03/2026, 9.30 - 12.30, online, lecture on:

  • The DMP: what is it and what role does it play in research;
  • How to write a DMP and what to include in each section.

Module 4 – “Discussion and evaluation” 24/03/2026, 9.30 - 11.30, online, lecture:

Participants are given the opportunity to discuss with their supervisors and contextualize the strategies learned in the previous modules within the broader work of the department or research group. The student participation is recognized regardless of that of the respective (co)supervisors.

Assessment method: Multiple-choice test

Teaching modes: online 

Duration: 10 hours

Available places: 100 participants

Period: 03/03/2026, from 9.30 to 12.30; 12/03/2026, from 9.30 to 11.30; 19/03/2026, from 9.30 to 12.30; 24/03/2026, from 9.30 to 11.30.

Language of the course: English

Trainers: Bianca Gualandi, Filippo Vasone, Marco Dettori

 Doctoral credits (DCs): 1.