How we store data in AGRO
To ensure that all data obtained in research publications, including PhD and postdoc studies, are securely stored and available for later use, we must ensure that data is stored for at least five years after a project completion.
How to do it in practice in AGRO?
Each section now has its own drive to store data. You need to save your data on your own section drive.
All necessary information (see below) must be stored under your AU ID and stored on:
- Crop health - (path to drive)
- Crop genetics and biotechnology - (path to drive)
- Entomology and plant pathology - (path to drive)
- Soil biology and nutrients - (path to drive)
- Agricultural systems and sustainability - (Path to drive)
- Soil physics and hydropedology - (path to drive)
- Climate and water - (path to drive)
Archiving must be done in connection with the publication of the data or before the termination of employment.
It is the first author responsibility to archive, therefore data must also be stored on the first author's section drive.
Step by step
You must create a folder with your AU ID and name (eg au01234_JohnDoe). Here you store the data, background information, scripts, manuscripts, etc., used in connection with the research publication, in a folder with the name of the publication.
The archived information must contain the following. Use subfolders as specified:
Folder | Content |
Manuscript files
| The manuscript and final paper (word file and PDF). |
Graphics | Graphics files used with the publications |
Experimental setup | A document describing the experimental or modelling setup and data collection and analysis. If this is sufficiently well described in the manuscript, then reference can be made to the published paper. |
Programs and scripts | A document describing the structure of the data, programs and scripts. References should be given to which data and programs were used for which Tables and Figures in the manuscript. |
Data files | Data files (e.g. Excel spreadsheet, Sigmaplot files, Access-databases etc.) |
Program files | Computerprograms and scripts used for data analyses and modelling |
Find more information on our Data Archiving page here on the intranet: https://agro.medarbejdere.au.dk/en/project-management/data-management/
Why should data be stored for up to five years after a completed research project?
Here is what AU writes about handling and storing research data:
Handling and storage of research data must be carried out in all subject areas in accordance with current rules, so as to ensure transparent and credible research.
For research conducted at Aarhus University:
- The generation and use of research data should be carefully planned when embarking on a new research project.
- All primary material (eg biological material, notes, interviews, texts and literature, digital raw data, records, etc.) and data (detailed records of the primary material that form the basis of the analysis leading to the results ) must be stored securely and appropriately at Aarhus University, which makes servers, archives and the like available.
- All experimental protocols, plans and strategies for experiments/studies, notes, laboratory books, data, and primary material must be kept for a period of at least 5 years after the publication or completion of the project, unless it is in conflict with professional standards and legislation in general. There must be open access to material on which publications are based (the Fair Principles), unless this is in conflict with contractual obligations and/or other legal rules on e.g. ethics, confidentiality or protection of personal or intellectual property rights.
- All primary research material and data from research belongs in principle to Aarhus University and can only be shared with or used by third parties or former employees outside Aarhus University by written agreement with the head of department, unless there has been made a special authority in legislation and/or agreement.
- Research data and other primary research material from Aarhus University must be disposed of in a safe and secure manner, while observing any ethical considerations and in accordance with applicable legislation.
Aarhus University has prepared Instructions for storage and processing of research data.