Monash University acknowledges that research data management must be consistent with relevant legislation, codes and guidelines. This policy and its associated procedures first and foremost support its commitment to comply with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007) (‘the Code’), ‘Section 2: Management of Research Data and Primary Materials’. The Code states that all individuals and institutions engaged in research have a responsibility to manage research data well, by addressing ownership, storage and retention, and access, over and beyond the end of the research project.
In addition to the Code, this policy is guided by the Monash University Information Management Principles. Monash University also supports the guidelines and initiatives designed to improve access to publicly funded research data, including the OECD Principles and Guidelines for Access to Research Data from Public Funding (2007).
Monash University recognises significant value in the data generated by its large investment in research. Research data is valuable to researchers for the duration of their research and may have ongoing value. Durable research data is essential to justify, and defend when required, the outcomes of the research. Research data may also have value for other researchers or the wider community.
Monash University is committed to achieving research data management standards for secure data retention, and to optimising the benefits of research through collecting, storing and making research data accessible in such a way that it can be used in future by members of the community. The management of research data should be compatible with the University’s commitment to the highest ethical standards in research, protecting the rights, dignity, health, safety and privacy of the community, including research subjects, and with its commitment to the welfare of animals and the integrity of the environment.
Monash University recognises that access to research data can raise the research profile of individuals and institutions, increase returns on public investment, promote open inquiry and debate, and enable innovative uses of data that may not have been foreseen by the researchers at the time of its creation.
To optimise research outcomes, data must be stored, retained, documented and/or described, made accessible for use and reuse, and/or disposed of, according to legal, statutory, ethical and funding bodies’ requirements. Research data must be retained according to the periods specified in the Code and archives and records legislation. In general, the minimum retention period for research data is five years post-publication: however, the specified period can vary depending upon the discipline and type of research.
Research data must be disposed of according to Monash retention and disposal guidelines.
Research data and materials must be stored securely to protect against theft, misuse, damage or loss. Research data must be held in appropriate facilities that allow access to be managed as required.
Research data management is a shared responsibility. Researchers, academic units and central administrative units should work in partnership to implement good practice.
While this policy and associated procedures establish the minimum requirements for all Monash staff, adjuncts and visitors, additional requirements may be imposed on staff at the South African and Malaysian campuses, where required by local legislation.
Where a conflict exists between the provisions in these policy and procedures at Sunway Campus, Sunway policies will apply. | 
