Dr. Shannon Taylor1
1The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
Biography:
Shannon Taylor is a Research Data Consultant at The University of Sydney only starting the role recently in July 2023. She received her PhD in wildlife health and has a passion for all things animals, however, has decided to pivot to research data. Shannon has helped develop innovative research data management approaches for non-STEM field using her previous experience as a STEM researcher and has found it incredibly rewarding.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3449-1878
Abstract:
Researchers producing Non-Traditional Research Outputs (NTROs) are often unaware of the need to manage their research data, including the use of university platforms, which leads to absence in compliance, exposure to risk and poor data practices. This is particularly prevalent in non-STEM disciplines in the arts and humanities, where there is low awareness of what constitutes ‘research data’. As data managers, we need to enhance relationships and better understand the research areas, processes, and requirements of researchers in these fields.
The Research Data Consulting (RDC) team undertook consultations with researchers and faculty support staff to identify the nature of data generated from non-STEM fields, and what research data management practices were being followed. Strategies for building RDM engagement, including tailored training programs, interdisciplinary collaborations, and identifying user-friendly tools and resources were explored.
RDC developed tailored resources, including presentations and case studies and innovative RDM approaches, to address these challenges. We identified the eNotebook (LabArchives) as a useful and user-friendly platform for recording research output including their “process of documentation”, regardless of the STEM connotation. We then collaborated with faculty support staff to work with their research communities to promote these measures, which was pivotal to drive the essential culture change.
We observed a positive change to researchers’ attitude and engagement in their management of research outputs and uptake of university digital tools. We plan to extend this program across the university to reach the wider research community and continue to instill best research practice.