What Is Research Data Management?
Definition
Research data are data that[…] are generated as part of scientific activities, including source historical research, experiments, measurements, surveys, et cetera, and that can be digitally and electronically stored.
DFG, 2010
When taking the individual disciplines into account, it is quickly clear to see that research data are primarily heterogeneous in the respective subject area, which is reflected in the broad spectrum of data types and data formats.
Although research data are highly specific to each field, the management structure of the data is comparable across different disciplines. Research data management, RDM for short, presents many advantages for researchers and their disciplines. The additional effort caused by RDM at the beginning and during a research project is compensated by a reduction or prevention of potential problems and difficulties in the overall project.