University of Groningen Highlights Research Software in Research Data Management Policy

6 Mar 2023 - 2 min

University of Groningen’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) has published its Research Data Management Policy, outlining the procedures expected from all persons who generate data as a result of performing research at the Faculty. The policy stands out because it includes instructions as to how to deal with research software.

The FSE’s Research Data Management Policy defines research software as any piece of code or script that enables researchers to process, manipulate, generate and analyze data or automatize or test these procedures. It recognizes that research software requires its own management and best practices to achieve a reproducible workflow. The policy outlines the procedures expected from all persons, including academic staff, support staff, PhD candidates, Bachelor and Master students, and guest researchers who perform research at the Faculty.

Partially inspired by the Practical Guidelines of Software Management Practices, published recently by the Netherlands eScience Center and NWO, this new policy is a significant step towards ensuring that research software is given the recognition it deserves. The FSE’s policy can serve as a model for other faculties and universities to follow. The document is now available to the public here.