Managing data in collaborative research starts with the researcher: A Soil CRC case study

Multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research centers are central to the concept of collaborative science. A challenge to the success of these research centers is their “data sharing readiness” as a foundation of science integrity that underpins policy decisions and directions. To achieve data sharing readiness, understanding researchers’ level of data maturity (their data management practices and understanding) is critical to improvement in data management and resultant research outcomes.
A mixed methods approach of survey, focus group, and interviews was undertaken to understand where participants in a soil research collaboration were in their data maturity. The survey included a combination of multiple choice, open, and closed-ended questions linked to a set of overarching data management topics. Voluntary participants include farmer groups, universities, industry partners, and state government agencies from Australia and New Zealand.
Key findings were that researchers were largely unfamiliar with core concepts of data management and exhibit a low overall level of data maturity and data readiness. This was echoed by the desire of survey respondents to obtain further training, education, and support in data management.
Data readiness and providing researchers with a core set of data management skills will provide a pathway for high quality and enduring research.

多学科与跨学科研究中心是协同科学理念的核心载体。制约此类研究中心取得成功的关键挑战之一，在于其“数据共享就绪性（data sharing readiness）”——这一要素作为科学诚信的基石，为政策制定与发展方向提供了根本支撑。要达成数据共享就绪性目标，明晰研究人员的数据成熟度水平（即其数据管理实践与认知程度），对于优化数据管理工作及最终研究成果至关重要。
本研究采用问卷调查、焦点小组访谈与个人访谈相结合的混合研究方法，旨在探明某土壤研究协作项目中参与者的数据成熟度水平。本次问卷调查涵盖了与一系列核心数据管理主题相关的选择题、开放式问题与封闭式问题的组合题型。自愿参与的对象涵盖来自澳大利亚与新西兰的农民团体、高校、行业合作伙伴以及州级政府机构。
核心研究结果显示，绝大多数研究人员对数据管理的核心概念较为陌生，整体数据成熟度与数据就绪性水平偏低。问卷调查受访者所表达的获取数据管理相关培训、教育与支持的迫切需求，也印证了这一结论。
提升数据就绪性，并为研究人员配备核心数据管理技能，将为高质量且可持续的研究工作开辟可行路径。