Preamble

You are invited to participate in an anonymous survey administered by McMaster's Research Data Management Strategy Implementation Committee (RDMSIC). This is a follow-up to the McMaster Research Data Management Needs Survey, conducted in 2021. The survey includes 9 questions and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

The purpose of this survey is to gather information on how researchers at McMaster collect, store, and back up research data. Your responses will give us a clearer picture of current practices and help shape recommendations for future digital research infrastructure, services, and training. In this survey, we refer to three types of research data storage: 

• Active data storage: Research data accessible and modifiable during the active phase of the research project (collection, analysis, etc.).
• Data backup: Copies of research data that are stored in a separate location from the original data so it can be retrieved and used in case of data loss. 
• Data archival: Data that is deposited into a system for long-term or permanent care and accessibility. 

You will be asked general questions about your research role, data sensitivity, storage practices, and backup procedures. Personal information is not collected; all responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate. Data will be stored securely on McMaster-managed servers and accessed only by the RDMSIC team. Data will be retained for 12 months and then securely destroyed. 

Participation is voluntary. You may skip any question or exit the survey at any time. Completion of this survey will not affect your access to research services or resources at McMaster. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact: Research Data Management Service Team, rdm@mcmaster.ca