Data management

The Ecohydrology Research Group (ERG) at the University of Waterloo carries out fundamental research in support of the wise use of water resources, that is, one that balances society’s water needs with those of natural ecosystems. ERG’s research activities cover a vast range of spatial and temporal scales, from molecular-level studies on the processes determining the chemical forms and bioavailability of nutrients and pollutants to global scale assessments of anthropogenic perturbations of hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. Faculty, staff and all Highly Qualified Personnel (HQPs – students, postdoc, research scientist/associates) in ERG are committed to data management practices to ensure that ERG data, software, code, inputs and outputs (“the data”), are safely stored, preserved and easily accessible for future re-use. ERG is aligning its Data Management Plan (DMP) with the common approach being pursued at the University of Waterloo.

Our data management plan, a national exemplar for Canada

This exemplar (DMP) was created by the Ecohydrology Research Group at the University of Waterloo, with the purpose of providing a standardized DMP model for its many multi- and cross-disciplinary research projects. Here, fundamental processes and procedures core to the ERG have been incorporated as a starting point for its faculty, staff, and HQPs (Highly Qualified Personnel) when developing their research projects. This exemplar demonstrates the utility of a model DMP being used by a research group or collective to maintain best practices in data management.

For more information, read the UW Research Data Management Institutional Strategy and the Tri Agency Data Management Policy.

New to data management? Here are two best practices done by ERG researchers to help students get started:
 

Check out our datasets online