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Research Data Management

What is RDM?

Research Data Management (RDM) is one of the four key elements of Canada’s digital research infrastructure (DRI). It encompasses the processes applied throughout the lifecycle of a research project to guide the collection, documentation, storage, sharing, and preservation of research data, and allows researchers to find and access data.

RDM Services We Provide

RDM Services We Support

A Brief History

The Government of Canada supported two initiatives dedicated to RDM in Canada: Research Data Canada (RDC) and Portage. Both have joined the Digital Research Alliance of Canada as part of the federal DRI strategy.

RDC was established following a recommendation in the 2011 Canadian Research Data Summit Report, “Mapping the Data Landscape.” RDC brought together key stakeholders nationally and internationally through subject-specific committees. RDC joined the Alliance on April 1, 2022. RDC's archived website can be found here.

Portage was launched in 2015 by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) to contribute to the shared stewardship of research data through a network of experts representing research institutions across Canada. Portage joined the Alliance on April 1, 2021. Portage's archived website can be found here.