The report on ‘defining a quality approach to research data’ has been published
The Research Data College has published a practical guide entitled ‘Définir une approche qualité des données de recherche‘. This aim of the report is to support researchers, data managers and curators in implementing a structured quality approach throughout the full data lifecycle.
A methodological framework for data quality
This guide is the result of the work of the Research Data college and its working group on data quality. It proposes an operational methodological framework to enhance the reliability, traceability and reusability of scientific data. It is of course based on the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles and on international recommendations, particularly those of the European Open Science Cloud’s (EOSC) FAIR Metrics and Data Quality Task Force.
The proposed quality approach is organised around six main phases of the data lifecycle:
- Preparation and planning
- Collection and production
- Processing and analysis
- Preservation and storage
- Sharing and dissemination
- Long-term archiving
An operational quality checklist
The document and its appendix provide a ‘data quality’ checklist organised into seven main dimensions:
- Data characterisation and organisation
- The definition of quality objectives
- Documentation
- Traceability and reuse
- Regulatory compliance
- Technical interoperability
- Finalisation and overall assessment
This grid was inspired by EOSC’s Data Quality Framework. It is intended to help teams evaluate and monitor the quality of their data, and structure their work according to the roles and responsibilities of data producers, managers, curators and archivists.
A tool for the whole scientific community
This guide is intended for all those involved in research, from project leaders to data managers, and to serve as:
- A resource for drafting data management plans
- A tool for self-assessment of practices
- A basis for certification processes (e.g. CoreTrustSeal)
It is part of a continuous improvement process inspired by the Deming cycle (PDCA), and encourages the convergence of quality practices across disciplines.
Consult the guide (in French): https://www.ouvrirlascience.fr/definir-une-approche-qualite-des-donnees-de-recherche-guide-pratique/
