Research Data Management Guiding Principles

The following principles guide Research Data Management (RDM) at Queen’s University.

Research excellence

Queen’s commits to the use of data management practices that enhance the stewardship and ethical use of research funds. According to the Tri-Agency (2021), sound RDM practices support research excellence by “ensuring that research is performed ethically and makes good use of public funds, experiments and studies are replicable, and research results are as accessible as possible. Research data management (RDM) is a necessary part of research excellence” (, Government of Canada). Research excellence is founded on equity and diversity, advances knowledge mobilization and strengthens global impact.

Aligned with the Queen’s Strategy, Strategic Goals 1 and 3

Institutional support for researchers

Queen’s supports its researchers in the implementation of good RDM practices through the coordination of existing tools, technologies and service supports and by addressing any areas of need. Queen’s respects the use of diverse approaches reflective of various disciplines, research activities and projects.

Aligned with the Queen’s Strategy, Strategic Goals 5 and 6

Strong collaborations

Queen’s encourages collaborative ventures in research. The use of wise data management practices supports respectful and mutually beneficial research relations with government, not-for-profits, community-based actors, and the private sector. 

Aligned with the Queen’s Strategy, Strategic Goal 5

Open dissemination of research results

Research results should be made as open as possible, and as closed as necessary, to facilitate access and reuse. This requires a commitment to the inclusive use of data management practices, such as the for data management and stewardship, which strive to make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. 

Aligned with Queen’s Strategy, Strategic Goals 1 and 4

Respect for Indigenous communities

Queen’s acknowledges that Indigenous peoples have the right to control the collection, ownership and application of Indigenous data and encourages the use of data management practices, such as the and Principles to support data sovereignty.

Aligned with Queen’s Strategy, Strategic Goals 4 and 5

Maintaining compliance and security

Queen’s respects the privacy, security, ethical considerations, and appropriate confidentiality provisions of its researchers. Queen’s complies with relevant legal and commercial obligations, supporting researchers with legal advice on data management considerations with legal implications.

Aligned with Queen’s Strategy, Strategic Goal 1