How do you balance data sharing and protection in your research?

Research data management is not only the infrastructure you will use to store and analyze data acquired by your research methodology, but who, when, and why other individuals will have access to it, too. I like to think of ethics as making the correct choice regardless of the impact of social desirability, or wanting to be seen as valuable. As an example, choosing a platform that hosts the data in a country where there are not the same protections as the United States is tempting because it may be the less expensive option, which will help the project by providing access and efficiently using resources. However, in the worst case scenario, that choice can be costly because sensitive data may be accessed, released, or ransomed.

Research data management and ethics are essential components of responsible and reliable research. It is through the implementation and adherence to strict ethical and research standards researchers ensure the integrity and accuracy of their work. Starting with the planning stages of research, careful attention must be given to every detail that will safeguard proper data collection, record-keeping, storage, and confidentiality. Privacy is a very sensitive matter and one that cannot be taken lightly. Protecting the privacy of research participants as well as their rights is a top priority for researchers.

Research data management and ethics play a crucial role in balancing data sharing and protection. Research data management involves organizing, storing, and preserving data to ensure its integrity and accessibility. Ethical considerations encompass the responsible use and sharing of data, respecting privacy, and obtaining informed consent. Striking a balance means safeguarding sensitive information while facilitating collaboration and transparency. Adhering to ethical guidelines enhances research integrity and ensures the responsible dissemination of knowledge, fostering trust among researchers and the broader community.

Appropriate management of data and ethical treatment of data are both crucial for ensuring a long-lasting, successful career as a researcher. Mismanaging research data will likely hamper the progress and reduce the quality of one's research efforts, while failing to uphold ethical standards could result in accusations of formal misconduct. Failing to uphold appropriate RDM&E standards is not only a legal risk but could also harm the researcher's reputation, limiting their opportunities for data collection and for collaboration with other researchers.

Research data management and ethics are important because researchers, particularly those working with human subjects, are bound by federal regulations that protect people from research that can be harmful-with these regulations responding to history where care was not taken. The choices you make in how you will collect, analyze, and draw conclusions and with whom you will share your data impact the outcome of research studies. Research studies are relied on by industry and by other researchers. If the research data management and ethical considerations are flawed, future research can be flawed as well. We have a responsibility not only to the subjects, to those who will use our research, but to our colleagues, too.

Research data management and ethics are important to preserve the privacy of the research subjects, ensure the accuracy and usability of the research results, and maintain the quality of research. It is through the adequate management of data, and the careful implementation of ethical practices, that researchers yield results that are meaningful, reliable, and trustworthy. Following high ethical standards and clear guidelines for data management will guarantee that the information comes from trusted sources, that the subjects in the investigation are protected, and that careful attention has been given to ensuring the privacy and security of the collected data.

Research data management and ethics are pivotal because they uphold the delicate balance between data sharing and protection. Proper management ensures data integrity, accessibility, and longevity, enhancing research quality. Ethical considerations guard against privacy breaches and uphold participants' rights, fostering trust. Striking this equilibrium supports collaboration, innovation, and knowledge dissemination while safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining ethical standards.

How I plan research data management depends on where I am conducting the research. Organizations that use an institutional review board have forms or applications that require you to think through these decisions. However, it begins with the questions you want to answer with your data and determining what data you will need to collect, how, and how will you analyze it. When you have large data sets and work with a team, data infrastructure and ethical considerations can be complex. If you are the sole researcher and your data set will be relatively small, the decisions are easier to make. Finally, a guiding thought might be how would I want data about me protected from being seen or used by people I didn't authorize to have it.

Planning a research project has to include a careful review of the institution's data management plan guidelines, the forms, and applications from the institutional review board, applications, and pertinent documentation. Funding source plans, practices, and requirements also need to be considered. In addition, researchers need to be very clear about the type, quality, and quantity of data to be collected, and how it will be stored and shared.

Effective planning for research data management and ethics is crucial to achieve the delicate balance between data sharing and protection. Start by identifying the types of data involved, considering legal and ethical regulations. Develop a clear data management plan, outlining data collection, storage, and sharing protocols. Implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information. Obtain informed consent from participants and ensure anonymity. Regularly review and update your plan to adapt to changing circumstances. This comprehensive approach ensures responsible data practices while promoting valuable knowledge exchange.

When dealing with data sharing and protection during research and education, we must be mindful of the fact that data can be compromised. Exposing data can impact the privacy of an individual or organization. For example, when troubleshooting the network, many network administrators use Wireshark, an open-source packet analysis tool, to capture and analyze data. Before sharing packet captures that contain corporate data, it’s essential to sanitize any sensitive information using a tool designed to scrub data. Not doing so could put you at risk of being in violation of GDPR compliance. Protect the data by educating your team about the dangers of data exposure, and implementing data-sharing policies.

I maintain and share my data consistent with the data management plans I create and the regulations that guide research. I do not share my raw data and I keep it protected in secure locations. When I am working locally on data analysis I store my data on devices that do not connect to the internet. When I do share data, I share only the information that is needed to support the project. My work is focused on human subjects who may be concerned about losing their jobs if the data they provide me is connected to them. Therefore, I consider the distinction between the detail I have collected, the need for analysis, and the need for reporting data to support conclusions.

Institutions dictate how data is to be stored, communicated, and shared. Researchers have to be very deliberate in keeping these requirements, not only as a responsibility toward their institution but also to protect the privacy of the research subjects and to comply with legal considerations. Considerations must be made to the type of data collected and how it will be stored and shared. Some researchers store data locally, others store it in a private network or database. Regardless of the selected method, it is the researcher's responsibility to ensure the data is safe, protected, and confidential during the process.

Balancing data sharing and protection in research involves strategic measures. To share data, anonymize and aggregate sensitive information, ensuring participant privacy. Use secure platforms for data storage and establish controlled access for authorized users. Utilize encryption and strong authentication methods to safeguard data during sharing. Implement data use agreements that outline responsibilities and restrictions for recipients. Regularly audit and update security protocols to adapt to emerging threats. By coupling data sharing with stringent protection, researchers can advance knowledge while upholding ethical and legal standards.

I admit to being highly distrustful of technology not imploding on me. Paper storage is out because it isn't secure. But electronic storage is fraught with concern. Over the years, I have owned many computers and repaired many hard drives. Therefore, I maintain multiple copies of my data in a manner consistent with my data management plan to ensure safe keeping for not only future projects, but inquiry about past projects. The human subjects who graciously gave me their time and thoughts deserve to have that data treated with care and respect.

Research data must be stored and archived in a way that is secure and complies with institutional requirements. Some researchers may choose to use local storage options, cloud servers, or other methods that will help them store and preserve collected data appropriately. A well-developed data management plan, outlining the ownership, access, and backup procedures, will help researchers manage and archive data in an effective way. Some researchers like to make three copies of the data and store it in two different media with one of these stored offsite or in the cloud. Consideration must also be made to ensure the data is available in a format that is accessible and ready to use by future researchers.

Preserving and archiving research data requires a structured approach. Choose suitable data formats and documentation for long-term accessibility. Utilize established repositories that adhere to preservation standards. Create metadata to enhance data discoverability and understandability. Implement redundancy by storing data in multiple locations or formats. Set clear access policies, ensuring data availability while safeguarding sensitive information. Regularly validate and update archived data to prevent obsolescence. Collaborate with institutions or organizations offering reliable data preservation services. Properly managed preservation ensures valuable research data remains accessible and secure for future analysis.

There is a wealth of resources available for managing and analyzing data, but it is important to read the fine print. Previously, as a lawyer, confidentiality of information was necessary and around 2012 we were only starting to look at the issue of electronic storage and the complexity and risk it brings when you are relying a corporation to store your data for you. Are they taking the steps necessary to protect your data from hacking, ransoming, and release? What happens when the company is purchased and changes are made? What assurances can you secure from the company that it will not disclose your information? For example, a transcription company provided a non-disclosure agreement they signed without prompting. I was impressed.

Primary consideration should be given to institutional or funding sources requirements. It is therefore important to carefully analyze and read the guidelines, applications, and forms of the institution where research is being conducted. Researchers also need to consider how data will be managed in collaboration projects as different countries and institutions have different guidelines and requirements. Reading the guidelines and asking questions can prove useful for researchers working across borders nowadays.