Introduction
1. Preparing a DMP
2. Documenting and Organizing Data
3. Storing Data and Data Security
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Theme 2 Ethical and Legal Issues

This section contains the following questions:

  • Will you use personal data?
    Bear in mind that personal data is any information relating to an identified or (in)directly identiable living individual. This means that names, occupations, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, voice recordings and the likes all qualify as personal data. As such, these are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  • Are there any ethical issues concerning the creation and/or use of the data (e.g. experiments on humans or animals, or dual use)?
    Answer these questions with yes if
    • You need permission from ethical committee and/or informed consent for collecting & handling data (incl. archiving & sharing);
    • You work with sensitive data (could cause harm if disclosed – e.g. to endangered species, vulnerable sites/groups, national security, public health…).
  • Is there potential for tech transfer and valorization? Will IP restrictions be claimed for the data you created?
    • Restrictions on collecting, sharing, archiving & reusing data may be applicable
    • e.g. your research has commercial potential. Sharing may not be possible (to protect confidential knowhow), or only after embargo period (to seek patent protection first)
    • e.g. you work with third-party data/collaborate with external partners. Check licenses/agreements to know what you can do.
  • Do existing 3rd party agreements restrict dissemination or exploitation of the data you (re)use?